The Salvation Army Feeds 45 People Living in Cardboard Boxes

Just after midnight on Nov. 23, Disaster Services Coordinator Drew Hasty drove his Salvation Army mobile kitchen near a parking lot in the Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis and witnessed an alarming site: 45 people were living in cardboard boxes.

Hasty stopped the vehicle and began serving them coffee, cocoa and snacks. He stayed for two and a half hours. 

Granted, Hasty knew the people would be there. They were participating in the Great American Sleep Out, an event to raise homeless awareness.
 
The sixth-annual Sleep Out was held at the intersection of Lyndale Ave. S. and West 26th Street. Beforehand, participants gathered pledges to benefit two local organizations: Kulture Klub and Streetworks, both of which support teens and young adults in transient situations.

“It is so good that The Salvation Army is here,” Kulture Klub Director Michael Hoyt told Hasty, as Sleep Out participants sipped hot drinks next to small fire pit.
  
The Sleep Out has been organized and sponsored by Moxie Hair Salon (2649 Lyndale Ave. S.) since 2003. Other sponsors include Bob's Java Hut, Soo Visual Arts Center and Pizza Luce.  

Fund-raising for the Sleep Out didn’t end at sunrise: Moxie Hair Salon donated 100 percent of its profits from the entire day. Between pledges and Moxie’s contribution, the Sleep Out raised $6,000.

"Many volunteers helped make this year’s event a success," said Moxie manager Erik Meyer. "We had families, young teens, college students, neighbors, and all of our stylists participating. Moxie Hair Salon strongly believes in giving back to the local community.”

The Twin Cities Salvation Army was proud to assist at this year’s Sleep Out.

"Raising awareness for those among us who are homeless and in need is important work,” said Advancement Manager Joel Vaughn, adding that the Twin Cities Salvation Army provides shelter to 850 people every night. “It is when we come together as a community that we find the most strength to solve difficult problems."