From press materials by Family Promise of Monmouth County

While Monmouth County is considered one of the more affluent counties of the Garden State, the issue of family homelessness remains a very real problem here and throughout the area. Beginning on the evening of Friday, October 14, a local place of worship will serve as host location for an interactive “friend and fund raiser” event designed to raise awareness of this often little-discussed cause — by giving participants the opportunity to experience spending the night living inside a cardboard box.

Sponsored by the nonprofit Family Promise of Monmouth County — and presented “rain or shine” on the grounds of Monmouth Church of Christ (312 Hance Avenue in Tinton Falls) — the fundraiser begins at 5 p.m., and offers participants an opportunity to raise a minimum of $100 in pledges and contributions, by sleeping overnight as a resident of “Cardboard Box City.”

Family Promise will award prizes for participants who raise the most money and present the most creative dwelling (participants must supply their own box; recommended are large appliance cartons which can be obtained from electronics/ appliance or department stores). Soup and bread will be served to participants at 6 p.m., with breakfast for all on the morning of October 15.

The organization which “provides food, shelter and services to homeless families in Monmouth County in cooperation with a network of interfaith congregations” welcomes the participation of families, youth groups, scouting troops and interested individuals in the overnight event — including those who’d like to raise funds as “virtual residents” from the comfort of home — with sign-up and additional details available here.