THOUGHTS AND TIPS FOR THE NIGHT
What to expect?
Many of our participants shared that it was hard to get comfortable and stay warm, which made for a difficult night's sleep. They woke up feeling tired and uncomfortable. Although they didn't feel great physically, they were moved by the experience. They knew they could shower, get a meal, and some proper rest. What does a person living on the street do? What if they have to go to work? It was humbling for participants to think about and gain a new perspective on their struggles.
Where to sleep?
A Night in the Cold is more than just a unique experience—it’s a fundraiser to support our Warming Center, which provides life-saving shelter, food, and services to those in our community without housing.
Wherever you choose to spend the night, your participation is a powerful act of advocacy and generosity. Every dollar you raise goes directly toward keeping our warming center and helping those who need it most.
This year, we're excited to offer a new shared experience. Sleep outside at the Morristown High School football field as part of ANITC HQ - a safe, supportive way to spend A Night in the Cold with other participants who are committed to helping those in our community without housing.
OR
Bundle up at home or another location of your choosing as part of The Cold Collective.
Either way, you'll be helping our neighbors experiencing homelessness by supporting Homeless Solutions' Shelter, Winter Warming Center, and essential programs. The Cold Collective is a great way to sleep outside, connect, reflect, and raise vital funds for our shelter program and the services we provide.
Last year, supporters slept:
Plus - stay connected through our livestream!
Preparing for A Night in the Cold:
We expect chilly conditions during the event, so it’s important to prepare in a way that keeps you safe and comfortable.
If at any point you begin to feel unsafe, too cold, or unwell—please go inside.
It’s a powerful question to reflect on: What does someone living on the street do when the cold becomes too much, and there’s nowhere to go?
To help you prepare for your night outdoors, here are a few tips for staying safe and warm:
Your socks may hold moisture from sweat even if they don’t feel wet. Put on a fresh, dry pair right before you lie down to help keep your feet warm through the night.
Light activity like a few jumping jacks or brisk walking before bed can raise your core temperature. Just be careful not to break a sweat—that can lead to chilling once you’re still.
Roughly 6% of your body’s surface area is your head, where heat can escape quickly. Wearing a warm hat to bed helps your body retain warmth more effectively.
Dress in layers of dry clothing—base layers for warmth, and insulating layers like fleece or down. Avoid cotton if possible, as it holds moisture. Layering is one of the most effective ways to stay warm.