Friday nights are fun times for many young people.  They could include movies, games, television, or other things that let them give off a little steam after a week of school and chores.

An encampment of cardboard boxes fill the yard next to St.  Mark's Church in Pennsburg during the "Sleepout for Some- body" event.

            A group of young folks chose last Friday night to "Sleepout for Somebody" as they gathered at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Pennsburg to raise money for the Upper Perkiomen Valley Homelessness Coalition.

            The coalition opened a code blue shelter in December 2024 to provide a safe place for homeless men to find a warm place to sleep when the temperatures dipped below freezing overnight.  Shelter was provided for 90 nights since then.

            Pastor Serena Sellers, of St. Mark's Church, heard of the events in Bucks County and other areas of Montgomery County and thought it was a good idea to try it here. 

Matthew (second from left), a former homeless person, tells the program participants what its like in a homeless encampment.

Occurring at a location on Main Street, with a large space visible to those passing by, a program that was fun and educational was to be had.

            It became interactive with the help of the Upper Perk Homeless Coalition, The Open Link, Access Services, members of St. Mark's Outreach, and the Outreach Committee.  Among the speakers at the event were Matt, who was formerly homeless, Mark Boorse, of Access Services, Marianne Lynch, of The Open Link, and Code Blue volunteer David Lindvedt.

            Early in the evening, the participants began putting together their cardboard shelters.  The weather forecast wasn't favorable for a night out, but they, along with their adult supervision, were undeterred.

            Pastor Sellers shared that 44 percent of homeless people are employed, but with their meager earnings, they can't afford today's rent or home costs.  Many live in their cars and some are embarrassed about their homeless situation.  When that happens, concern for the homeless rises.  She added, "As a pastor it is important to be there [for them]."

St. Mark's Pastor Serena Sellers oversees the assembly of a card- board shelter by Dana and Jessica Henry.

            If you would like to make an online donation you can visit stmarkspennsburg.com.  Checks with "Code Blue" in the memo line will be directed to the program.  Direct contributions to the Upper Perk Homelessness Coalition can also be made on the Open Link website at theopenlink.org/get-help/housing-and-homelessness.