February 6, 2026 we’re doing it again.  Spending the night in our car so others don’t have to.

Preliminary totals are in,
and we have raised OVER $13,500!!!

THANK YOU, MerCo

You’re probably wondering how choosing to spend the night in a car can help others.
Read on to find out!

FEBRUARY 6, 2026

VENUE: ALEDO VFW Parking Lot: 106 SW 3rd Ave

Mercer County’s 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. For the second year, participants of Night in a Car will "live" out of their cars during the overnight hours of February 6, 2026. Our challenge to participants is to raise $500 per car.  This is done by seeking sponsors/donors.  Businesses, individuals, or organizations 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. These donations are collected prior to the event.

The overnight simulation will be done “drive-in” style at the Aledo VFW parking lot.  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.

To start or join a team, fill out one of the forms below.

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.

  • 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.

  • Rules:

    1. No alcoholic beverages or illegal substances.

    2. No candles or open flames in cars.

    3. Please have a full tank of gas.

    4. 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.

    5. Come inside to warm up as needed.

    6. Restrooms and refreshments, including light snacks and hot beverages, will be provided throughout the event.

    7. Security volunteers will make rounds of the parking lot every hour.

    8. Participants may invite their supporters to spend a portion of the night in their car with them.

Promotional Materials

Sponsors: event sponsorship tiers

SUPPORT OUR TEAMS

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 again for year two.

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

  • ☆

    How do I sign up?

    It’s easy!  Scroll up to read our liability waiver and then click or tap the “SIGN UP” button to fill out a registration form.  You may sign up as an individual team or a group team. If you are joining an existing team, be sure to click or tap the corresponding button.


  • ☆

    How many people are required per car?

    There is no required number of people per car.  It’s up to participants who and how many they would like in their car, whether they’re going it alone or decide to do it as a family or group.

  • ☆

    Who may attend?

    Night in a Car is a family friendly event appropriate for all ages!  In fact, we encourage families to take part together.  However, those with health issues or especially small infants may want to consider staying home.

  • ☆

    How can I help promote Night in a Car?

    Be proud of your commitment to spend a night in your car to benefit our neighbors facing homelessness county-wide.  Please consider sharing your “why” or access our promotional materials here.  You can print flyers to hand out, share via social media - post ideas can be found on this page - or send invitations to participate or sponsor via email. 

  • ☆

    How do I collect donations?

    Donations may be made by cash, check, or via one of our online donation portals (further down this page and on the sponsorships page). If a donor wishes to make a cash or check donation, they may mail it to MCBT at 200 N College Ave, PO Box 73, Aledo IL, 61231. Alternatively, they may give it to you. Please keep these in a secure envelope marked with your team’s name, to be given to an event representative the night of the event.

  • ☆

    Who are checks made out to?

    Donors and sponsors should make checks out to Mercer County Better Together with MCEHF (this stands for Mercer County Emergency Housing Fund) and your team’s name on the memo line. If they are sponsoring the event directly, ‘sponsor’ should be indicated on the memo line.

  • ☆

    How do I get people to donate?

    Share on social media that you’re participating and looking for sponsors to donate so you can reach your $500 goal.  Email your contacts asking for donations or consider sending some handwritten letters.  Encourage potential donors to donate even more by upping the ante… for example, if you reach your goal of $500 that your team will wear kilts for the night!

    Remember to check if your employer matches donations.  This can easily double your impact.

  • ☆

    What if I don’t reach the $500 goal?

    That’s ok!  $500/car is the dollar amount we recommend because it would make a great impact, but any amount helps. 

    Please remember that $500 is a goal, not a requirement.  We are raising awareness just as much as we are raising money.  This event is meant to offer a glimpse of rural homelessness often looks like.  If you’d like to start your goal lower, you may absolutely do that.  But don’t be afraid to ask for donations, you never know, people may surprise you!

  • ☆

    I can’t stay all night, can I still attend?

    Of course!  While we would love for everyone to experience the entire evening, we understand that may not be a possibility for all.  Whether you attend the entire night, arrive late, or need to leave early, there will be volunteers awake for the duration of the event for security purposes.  Come and stay for as long as you can.

  • ☆

    How can I sponsor the event?

    Please click here for more information on our sponsorship levels for businesses and organizations who would like to donate directly without a sponsored team.  Each sponsorship level offers different marketing opportunities as our way of saying ‘thank you!’ Easily donate online with our secure payment processing system.

    We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and ACH direct debit bank transfers.

  • ☆

    How do I sponsor a team?

    Sponsor a team by scrolling down this page to the donation box, then choose your donation amount or enter a custom amount and follow the steps to have your donation payment processed. Please be sure to include the team’s name in the memo area of the donation form.

    We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and ACH direct debit bank transfers.


  • ☆

    What happens to the money raised?

    All funds raised for Night in a Car will go directly into the Mercer County Emergency Housing Fund. The fund is housed and managed by Mercer County Better Together and enables the Mercer County Housing Initiative (MCHI) to provide emergency housing assistance. MCHI is a group of representatives from area organizations that work together to navigate individuals facing homelessness or housing insecurity to relevant services.  This group frequently convenes and collaborates with one another to fairly and without bias distribute the funds when the need arises.

  • ☆

    Who do I contact for more information?

    Kyle McEwen, Executive Director, Mercer County Better Together

    309-574-3123

    kyle@mcbettertogether.org

  • ☆

    Where did Night In A Car (NIAC) originate?

    NIAC began in 2017, put on by Home Sweet Home Ministries (HSHM) in Bloomington, IL.

    As we considered fundraising options last year, we came across this unique idea and reached out to HSHM’s Night In A Car coordinator who was kind enough to walk us through their event, share some excellent advice.

    We are grateful for their help and encouragement. We couldn’t bring this event to our community without them!

Want to DONATE?

Donate here to support the event overall. If you’d like to donate to a team, specifically, please visit our “Support Our Teams” page. Or to sponsor the event as a business or organization,visit our “NIAC Sponsorships” page.

3% Cover the Fee