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Third Annual Sleep Out for the Homeless
Despite spitting snow, biting wind, and temperatures hovering around 25 degrees, Linn County's 3rd annual Sleep Out for the Homeless took place November 15,2008. The event was held on the campus of Coe College, in Cedar Rapids, to kick off National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Cardboard boxes were "home" for the night for the approximately 65 volunteers who participated to increase awareness and raise funds. The participants collected pledges from sponsors and the over $8000 donated will be distributed to eight Linn County emergency shelters.
In conjunction with the Sleep Out, the Community Circle of Care held a "blanket blitz" and collected nearly 100 coats and blankets for the homeless. Hot soup and door prizes were donated by local businesses. During 2008 the number of homeless persons served by Linn County shelters and transitional housing programs was pushed to an all time high by the floods. AmeriCorps* VISTA members Dan Abel and Cheri Oehler-Terman are already in committee meetings strategizing for next year's Sleep Out and hoping for better weather.