Cardboard Box City Homeless Project

Billings residents of all ages can experience one night of homelessness by participating in the fifth annual Cardboard Box City, Saturday, October 6, on the Rocky Mountain College Campus.

The 2012 Cardboard Box City takes place Saturday, October 6, on the Rocky Mountain College campus.  Participants provide their own boxes (big enough to sleep in) and IHN urges people to let their imagination go wild when they are decorating their temporary home. Registration is $25, and participants are encouraged to collect additional pledges.  Prizes will be awarded for the top fundraisers and the most creatively decorated boxes.  Saturday evening events include a soup line dinner and activities. A continental breakfast will be served on Sunday morning.   Registration forms are available at the Interfaith Hospitality Network website: www.billingsihn.org, or call IHN, 294-7432. Registration forms must be turned in by October 1, 2012.

During the 2011-2012 school year, there were 497 homeless students, grades K-12, attending Billings Public Schools. With the new school year just starting, there are already an estimated 135 homeless students.  Homeless people often take shelter under cardboard boxes and Billings residents of all ages can experience one night of homelessness by participating in the fifth annual Cardboard Box City, Saturday, October 6, on the Rocky Mountain College Campus.

Cardboard Box City is a benefit for the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Yellowstone County (IHN), whose mission is to help homeless families achieve and sustain independence.   IHN is comprised of 24 Billings religious congregations and over 1,800 volunteers who provide meals, shelter, and a safe, non-judgmental environment for families experiencing homelessness. Congregation hosts rotate on a weekly basis providing hospitality and basic needs to the homeless guests.