Annual "sleep out for the homeless" returns

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – A local organization is sleeping out to step up and help the homeless! The South Bend chapter of Phi Beta Sigma is hosting its annual “Sleepout for the Homeless” drive and they need help to raise money and donations -this weekend.

Members of the Greek organization will be sleeping outside the State Farm office building’s front yard on E. Jefferson Blvd. on Friday, Nov. 5.

“Being able to help those folks that are less fortunate than we are and give back to our community way that we are supposed to be a service to our community,” Phi Beta Sigma second Vice President, Edward Thomas said.

Members of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity chapter are teaming up with Calvin Johnson of State Farm here in South Bend to help those facing hard times.

The group will be sleeping outside, no matter the weather for three days to show their support in a physical way. It’s all part of an initiative to help raise funds and collect donations to help those who face homelessness.

Starting Friday, Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. members of Phi Beta Sigma will be outside with a bus. They will be collecting new and gently used items such as gloves, scarves, boots, coats, thermal socks, thermal underwear, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and essential items like deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and lotion. These items will then be donated to local organizations such as homeless shelters, Weather Amnesty programs, and Hope Ministries.

While members are excited to start collecting, State Farm agent Calvin Johnson, whose president of the Greek chapter said the work doesn’t and can’t stop once the annual drive is over.

“Whatever we don’t collect, we will go out and buy. And at different times during the winter we will still check in with weather amnesty or hope rescue mission to see if there are additional things that we can do during the course of the winter,” Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity President and State Farm agent, Calvin Johnson said.

The South Bend Chapter’s goal is to collect 1,914 socks and 10,000 by the end of the weekend. They are also collecting new toys for boys and girls to donate to local organizations in town ahead of the holidays.

If you want to make a monetary donation, you can donate via CashApp at @ $SBSigmas