A week after snow, cold and ice blanketed the Mid-Valley, Union Gospel Mission of Salem leaders say they will live outside for 50 consecutive hours to raise money and awareness of everyday dangers and challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.
The “50-Hour Challenge” will not replicate the hardships of those living outside, said UGM Executive Director Dan Clem. Rather, it is an effort to draw attention to the homeless challenge in the community.
“This is very personal for us,” Clem said. “When folks come in and we go out to camps, we get to know them. Many of them become our friends and we share a life with them.”
From 10 a.m. Friday to noon Sunday, Clem and UGM community engagement director Mark Hunter will camp outside the south Salem ACE Hardware with the goal of raising $50,000. Donations tend to dip in the post-holiday season, Clem said. The fundraising effort will help generate funds to keep the shelter beds and meal services available.
Hunter and Clem will have a tent and basic supplies such as flashlights and sleeping bags along with shelf-stable food. On Friday night, UGM chefs, Walter Lofton and Johnna Norton, will serve their homemade chili to store patrons and to anyone who stops by.