FP-ESFV Cardboard Box City 2009
Saturday, September 26 at 6 p.m. to Sunday, September 27 at 7 a.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up?
You can either mail your donations and completed pledge form to Family Promise, or you can bring them to the event (space permitting).

Do I have to bring my own box?
Yes, participants must bring their own cardboard box or other type of dwelling (such as a pop-up tent with no stakes). Participants are encouraged to decorate their boxes or dwellings since the most creative dwelling will win a prize.

What can I bring to the event?
Remain mindful of the decisions a homeless person has to make, and please limit yourself to the following items: sleeping bag or pad, tarp, pillow, warm clothes. You may bring medications and essential toiletries, but please refrain from bringing outside food, entertainment items, or other non-essential objects. The following items are not allowed: Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, beverages in glass bottles, weapons of any kind, personal electronic devices such as MP3 players or video games. Cell phones are permitted.

Is it safe for me to send my children?
We require a minimum of one adult chaperone for every ten participants under the age of 18. The parking lot will be closed off and we will have volunteers on staff keeping watch throughout the night.

If I'm chaperoning a youth group, do I still need to pay for my admission?
We appreciate every donation that we receive. However, if the $50 admission is an insurmountable barrier preventing an adult from chaperoning a group of young people who have raised all the required pledges, we can waive the adult's admission fee on a case-by-case basis.

Is this a youth-only event?
Absolutely not! We invite people of all ages to participate in Cardboard Box City.

What if it rains?
Just as the homeless do, we will cope with the weather we are given. Unless there is a safety risk to participants, the event will continue, rain or shine.

Do I have to sleep in the parking lot?
While sleeping in a cardboard box can provide a valuable lesson in empathy, we understand that for health or personal reasons, you may not be able to. You may still participate as a "Virtual Resident" (raise funds but stay at home). Virtual residents are warmly welcomed to the evening meal and activities.

If you're sleeping in the parking lot, where do I park?
You may park in the parking lot across the street at the medical building.

How are we going to spend our time while we're there?
The evening activities include a scavenger hunt, awards for most pledges and creative dwelling, crafts, movie, music and a meal.

How can I raise $100?
You have three options: donate the money directly, collect pledges, or organize a fundraiser event. If you plan to attend with a group, you may pool your energy and creativity and put on an event such as a car wash, bake sale, or anything your imagination and resources allow.