FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2007
SAN DIEGO RESCUE MISSION’S INAUGURAL SLEEPLESS IN SAN DIEGO
EVENT RAISES $170,000 TO END CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS
Nearly Five Hundred San Diegans Sleep on the Streets in Front of City Hall
SAN DIEGO – Hundreds of compassionate San Diegans left the comforts of home behind to sleep on the streets near City Hall this past weekend as part of the first annual Sleepless in San Diego event. Their efforts helped raise awareness of the challenges and needs of San Diego’s homeless population and $170,000 for the San Diego Rescue Mission’s many programs that help the homeless get off the street and become productive members of society.
"Chronic homelessness is an ongoing issue in San Diego that has no immediate solution," said Mayor Jerry Sanders, who welcomed the crowd. "A challenge of that magnitude requires action. I applaud the courage, vision and conviction of The San Diego Rescue Mission and everyone who participated in Sleepless. You’ve done much more than write a check, you’ve helped make life in this community better for us all."
"Imagine more than twice the entire population of Del Mar, with no place to call home. On any given night in San Diego, that’s how many men, women and children have to turn to the streets for a place to sleep," said Herb Johnson, the Rescue Mission’s president and CEO. "The San Diego Rescue Mission and the city of San Diego can’t solve this problem without your help."
Sleepless in San Diego will raise money to help provide the homeless San Diegans with almost 440,000 free meals and over 120,000 free nights of shelter this year. The event was held outdoors at the San Diego Community Concourse in front of City Hall, from 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 28 to 8 a.m. on Sunday, April 29.
Volunteers were required to raise at least $40 in pledges to be admitted to Sleepless in San Diego. $40 was the chosen entry fee because that small donation can feed 20 people, provide one night of shelter for a family of three or provide one-day of comprehensive services for one homeless person.
Participants enjoyed live entertainment by Point Loma Nazarene University’s Urban Rescue and a screening of "The Pursuit of Happyness," before getting a few hours of sleep in safe and secure environment that lacked most of the comforts of home. Mayor Jerry Sanders welcomed attendees, Pastor Miles McPherson provided words of wisdom and KUSI’s Kimberly Hunt emceed the event.
Besides registered sleepers, there were 120 volunteers and 20 staff that participated in the event. An estimated 40 homeless residents showed interest in the event; many were triaged to the Rescue Mission for further evaluation and four are presently receiving treatment.
Corporate donors contributed $132,000 to the event. Individual participants contributed another $38,000, bringing total funds raised to $170,000. Corporate donors included: Union Bank of California, The Corky McMillin Companies, Sudberry Properties, JMI Realty, Bank of America, Pacific Building Group, 1st Pacific Bank, Henry’s Farmers Market, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, Chantilly Bakery, Starbucks, San Diego Business Journal, The Salvation Army, and Point Loma Nazarene University.
ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO RESCUE MISSION
Every day, the lives of homeless men, women, and children are changed at the San Diego Rescue Mission. The Mission’s long-term programs provide the physical necessities, vocational training, and spiritual encouragement needed to truly turn their lives around. The San Diego Rescue Mission prepares nearly 440,000 free meals and provides over 120,000 free nights of shelter each year, serving thousands of San Diego’s homeless. The Mission operates without any government or tax dollars for its programs, with funding coming from donations by individuals, corporations and foundations. The Mission saves taxpayers $50 million annually through the programs it offers the homeless. For more information, visit www.sdrescue.org.