sos or Sleep Out Sacramento is a campaign to increase awareness about the homeless families and individuals in the greater Sacramento region. For one night on November 12, 2011, hundreds of homeless advocates, service providers and neighbors – all passionate about ending Sacramento’s homeless crisis – will honor the homeless by sleeping outside at their churches and schools, at their homes in the front yard or backyard.

In addition to showing their compassion and empathy with the area’s homeless, SOS participants can financially support the efforts to end homelessness. At any time – starting now – supporters can use their cell phones to text a $5 donation to the SOS cause. And it’s simple. Dial 41518 anytime on your cell phone and then type in sos (all caps not necessary). Press send, and you’ve just made a $5 donation that will show up on your next phone bill! If you’re feeling really generous, you can do it five more times per month! Some carriers vary on the maximum amount of times you can text.

This event is sponsored by Cottage Housing Inc., and co-sponsored by Francis House Center and Legal Services of Northern California. You can support this cause by organizing your own sleep out in your neighborhood. For more help, click “Contact” and ask us how to start your sleep out. All of the proceeds from this event will go to assist current and former homeless families and individuals assisted by Cottage Housing, Francis House Center and Legal Services of California.

Cottage Housing, Inc., creates communities that are solution-focused, participant-driven and strength-based, where homeless people help themselves and each other through their transition from the streets to self-sustainability. Currently, Cottage Housing supports two transitional living communities for formerly-homeless families and individuals in the Sacramento area: Serna Village located in North Highlands and Quinn Cottages located in downtown Sacramento. Serna Village houses 83 families with more than 200 children and more than 100 adults, while Quinn Cottages houses more than 60 adults. Both communities are clean and sober facilities and safe environments where children and adults can learn and grow during their journey to self-sustainability. Without your support and donations these families may become homeless once more. You can make a world of difference in the lives of these individuals.