February 7, 2025, we are spending a night in a car so others don’t have to. Will you join us?
SIGN UP
You’re probably wondering how choosing to spend the night in a car can help others.
Read on to find out!
FEBRUARY 7, 2025
1 Central Venue
ALEDO
VFW: 106 SW 3rd Ave
ELIZA
Eliza Community Center: 557 155th Ave, New Boston
PREEMPTION
United Methodist Church: 2652 170th Ave
Night in a Car is a homelessness simulation intended to shine a spotlight on the hidden aspect of rural homelessness that many in our community experience – living in a car. Participants of Night in a Car will "live" out of their cars during the overnight hours of February 7, 2025. Our challenge to participants is to raise $500 per car. This can be done by seeking sponsors. Sponsors can be businesses, individuals, or organizations who make a commitment to donate a chosen amount of money to the Mercer County Emergency Housing Fund when their sponsored party spends the night in their car during the event.
The overnight simulation will be done “drive-in” style at the Aledo VFW. The VFW will have security volunteers throughout the night as well as a dedicated building open to participants for bathroom breaks, or to warm up with hot cocoa.
Why join us?
Your participation will help Mercer County residents struggling with homelessness or housing insecurity. 100% of the funds you raise will go directly to the Mercer County Emergency Housing Fund, which is there to help with emergency and transition housing, as well as related needs like keeping the lights on or keeping someone in their home when they’ve hit a rough patch.
-
Rules:
No alcoholic beverages or illegal substances.
No candles or open flames in cars.
Please have a full tank of gas.
Dress warmly. Bring blankets or sleeping bags and flashlights. Participants are advised to bring plenty of blankets and wear extra socks, gloves, and hats. It will get colder than you imagine.
Come inside to warm up as needed.
Restrooms and refreshments, including light snacks and hot beverages, will be provided throughout the event.
Security volunteers will make rounds of the parking lot every hour.
Participants may invite their supporters to spend a portion of the night in their car with them.
-
I, the participant, understand that Mercer County Better Together, Mercer County Housing Initiative, and all associated organizations of Night In A Car, are not responsible for any expense or liability incurred as a result of my participation in Night In A Car, including medical expenses due to any sickness or injury incurred as a result. I understand the risks associated with my participation in Night In A Car. I assume all related risks, both known and unknown to me, of my voluntary participation, including travel to, from, and during any participant activity. I also assume all the risks of participating in any or all activities and programs during Night In A Car. I do hereby consent for Mercer County Better Together and Mercer County Housing Initiative to use my image, likeness, and/or voice in any photographs, videotape, or digital recordings of me for the purpose of promoting Mercer County Better Together, Mercer County Housing Initiative, and Night In A Car, through print and electronic publication, publicly or privately. I waive any rights, claims, or interest I may have to control the use of my likeness in whatever media used. I represent that I am at least 18 years of age, have read and understand the foregoing statement, and am competent to execute this agreement. If under 18, a parent or legal guardian must approve.
**Please note that while participants are encouraged to come with a full tank of gas, running your car for prolonged periods carries risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. We encourage all participants to exercise a healthy dose of caution when choosing to run their vehicles throughout the night. Mercer County Better Together, Mercer County Housing Initiative, and all associated organizations of Night In A Car can not be held responsible for any injury incurred due to a participant’s decision to run their vehicle. We strongly encourage participants to instead bundle up and bring plenty of blankets, hats, gloves, sleeping bags, etc.
VOLUNTEERISM
Want to make a difference? We're looking for volunteers for Night in a Car! General volunteers will assist with event setup, registration, and other essential tasks. Mercer County Search and Rescue has graciously offered to handle security.
Your time and support are invaluable in helping us raise awareness and funds to combat homelessness in Mercer County. Sign up today and join our team!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ARE YOU SPONSORING A TEAM?
Donate here on behalf of participants. Please be sure to include the name of the team you are sponsoring in the memo section of the donation form.