One Homeless Night Seeks To Change Narrative On Homelessness

If you venture down to Normandin Middle School Friday night you'll see a wide array of civic and community leaders sleeping outside the school.

They're spending the night outdoors as part of "One Homeless Night Is Too Many."

Rev. David Lima, Executive Director of the Interchurch Council of Greater New Bedford, tells WBSM's Phil Paleologos he hopes that the event helps to raise awareness about homelessness, a situation which Lima says can happen to any of us.

"If you ever stop to listen to their stories, if we stop to look at them, not through them, not past them, you'd be surprised just how successful some of these people were at one time," said Lima "a circumstance, an addiction, an illness can change our lives in a moment."

Carl Alves, Executive Director of Positive Action Against Chemical Addiction, will be among those spending the night outside.

He views the event as a way for various groups from across New Bedford to come together and form a united front in their efforts to help the area's homeless population.

"This is a collection of over 30 organizations coming together to, kind of, hone and synchronize our efforts," said Alves "because there's so many wonderful things that are being done out in the community. This Rise Up Campaign is a way for us all to kind of come together under one umbrella and change the narrative."

The event will begin at 6 p.m. Friday and end at 6 a.m. Thursday.

Those interested in making a donation can mail a check to Rise Up For Homes at First Citizens Federal Credit Union at 200 Mill Rd. in Fairhaven.

You can also text RISEUP to 51055.