Daybreak to hold third annual Sleepout next week

A year ago, Macon resident Jeff Battcher bundled up in layers, gloves and a hat to prepare for Daybreak's Greater Macon Sleepout, an annual event that raises funds -- and awareness -- about the plight of Macon's homeless community.

While camping out in 20-degree weather, one recurring thought kept running through his head: I'm uncomfortable for one night, but how do people live like this?

The third annual event is coming up, scheduled for Feb. 25 in Central City Park. To participate, a person or team aims to raise $1,000 to sleep out in the cold.

For dinner that night, Daybreak will provide soup and bread at 6:30 p.m. Then, some of Daybreak's regulars will talk about their experiences with homelessness before teams head to the park to camp.

Participants are encouraged to pack warm clothes, a sleeping bag and a tent. Macon-Bibb County Parks and Recreation will provide fire pits.

This year, Daybreak hopes to have 100 people participate and raise $100,000, said Gary Musoff, one of four Sleepout board members. An anonymous donor has offered to match the funds raised by 10 new participants.

"By no means will they understand what it's like to be homeless, but it is our attempt to show solidarity," said June Bryant, executive liaison for Daybreak's Sleepout.

The funds raised will go directly to Daybreak, which provides the homeless with coffee, a shower, laundry and a safe place to rest.

Daybreak has reached out to local businesses, churches and Mercer University's students and faculty to participate.

"We mostly get adults, but we're hoping to get some Mercer students," said Sister Katie Norris, Daybreak's executive director.

Mercer University senior Conner Wood said she's trying to organize a group of 15 or so students to attend.

She said she plans on raising a minimum of $250 for the Sleepout.

"In the past, students haven't really been involved with the event in any capacity," Wood said. "This year, my role is to gather a group of students or have students donate."

Norris said one part of the Sleepout experience is to have participants interact with the homeless.

For Battcher, sitting around the fire pit and hearing the stories of Macon's homeless was an eye-opening experience.

Last year, Battcher, a former public relations executive for Delta Air Lines and BellSouth, noticed that one of Daybreak's clients looked oddly familiar.

He soon discovered that he had played high school basketball with the man, who was now homeless.

"You know, here's someone I know personally out there living on the street," Battcher said.

It made him ponder his life more than he had before.

"That will sink into your core, and it certainly did for me," Battcher said.

For more information on the event, call 478-955-4519.

This story was originally published February 19, 2016 at 2:22 PM with the headline "Daybreak to hold third annual Sleepout next week ."