With temperatures expected to go as low as -5 C Thursday night, homelessness advocates camped outside the Downtown Mission to raise awareness and funds.
When all is said and done Executive Director Reverend Ron Dunn and three guests Greg Lemay, Brooke Costa, and Jennifer Hanson will spend 24 hours outside in front of the Downtown Mission. They'll be on-site until 11 a.m Friday.
Dunn said suffering through the cold will help him identify with the people he serves.
"That's kind of the point, I'm a little sick... but again when you are experiencing homelessness you don't get to choose the ideal time, nobody plans for homelessness and so this is just something we can do to be in solidarity with those we serve," said Dunn.
Since the weather has turned the Downtown Mission has been at capacity. They currently have 103 beds available for overnight stays but Dunn said it's not enough.
That's why they are spending the night. To raise funds and start a conversation about homelessness, addiction, mental health and the affordable housing crisis in the city.
"The mission is ground zero for those things so we want to have that conversation; a meaningful dialogue about what can the next steps be and how does the library project play into that," said Dunn.
Dunn hoped to raise $25,000 for the mission's Building Hope project. Dunn says an anonymous donor has come forward and is willing to match all funds raised through the initiative.