"Sleep Out 4 the Homeless" event returns to South Bend for its seventh year

SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- For the past seven years, South Bend's Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma has helped the homeless population throughout their annual event, part of a nationwide initiative led by fraternity.

They are looking to make a difference by raising $10,000 and have a goal of collecting 1,000 pairs of socks, gloves and other essentials.

The event will take place at 812 E. Jefferson Boulevard, where fraternity members will sleep outside in tents from Friday, November 1st, starting at 3 p.m. until Sunday, November 3rd, at 3 p.m., braving the cold to raise awareness of the challenges faced by those without shelter.

They’ll be collecting items throughout the weekend with the hope of “stuffing a bus” with donations with the items being donated to local homeless shelters.

If you would like to donate and are not able to make it in person, they're also accepting monetary donations via Cash App at $DONATIONS1914.

President of the South Bend Chapter Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Calvin Johnson, says the goal is to make sure everyone is bundled and cared for this winter.

"If you think that you get to go home at night and sleep in a nice warm bed, sit on your sofa where there's warmth, they don't have any of that. If you can think about being out in the elements, then hopefully you have a heart and want to help those less fortunate," Johnson said.