Sleep Out Brunswick returns Friday to raise awareness, funds for homelessness
BOLIVIA, NC (WWAY) — Brunswick County residents will spend a night sleeping outdoors Friday as part of an annual event aimed at raising awareness about homelessness and supporting families facing housing insecurity.
Brunswick Partnership for Housing will host its third annual Sleep Out Brunswick fundraiser Friday, Oct. 16, through Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Alan Holden Public Safety Building at Brunswick Community College, located at 301 College Road NE in Bolivia.
The 15-hour event encourages participants to sleep outdoors in tents, cardboard boxes or vehicles while raising donations to support the nonprofit’s housing assistance programs.
Registration begins Friday at 5 p.m., followed by a poverty simulation from 6 to 9 p.m.
The three-hour simulation is designed to help participants better understand the challenges faced by people experiencing poverty and homelessness through interactive activities and scenarios.
Following the simulation, Sally Learned, executive director of Brunswick Partnership for Housing, will facilitate activities focused on homelessness and housing as a social determinant of health.
Participants will then move to their designated sleeping areas at 10 p.m. for an overnight experience intended to encourage reflection and discussion about housing insecurity.
A modest breakfast and reflection period are scheduled for 6 a.m. Saturday, with the event concluding by 8 a.m.
According to Brunswick Partnership for Housing, the organization provides services to more than 500 people and families experiencing homelessness each year.
During 2025-26, the nonprofit reported providing outreach, referrals and case management services to 407 people. Of those, 307 received emergency shelter for a combined 650 nights.
The organization also provided transitional housing to 18 people across eight households, with four families moving into permanent housing.
Founded in 2019, Brunswick Partnership for Housing operates the Felton-Russell House in Southport, which includes four transitional housing units. The nonprofit also provides emergency shelter through area motels, case management and referrals to other assistance programs.
The organization says fundraising events like Sleep Out Brunswick help support those services while encouraging the community to learn more about housing challenges.
Participants are encouraged to seek sponsorships and donations, with the nonprofit recommending a fundraising goal of at least $1,500 per participant.
Brunswick Partnership for Housing is expecting approximately 50 to 90 participants at the main event, along with additional participants taking part in off-site sleepouts.
Those interested in participating, donating or volunteering can visit the official website.
