Overnight event in Warner Robins aims to shine light on homelessness

Genesis Joy House Homeless Shelter is inviting the community to spend a night outdoors to raise awareness about homelessness.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Genesis Joy House Homeless Shelter will host its inaugural “No Roof City” sleep-out on September 27 at Memorial Park in Warner Robins. The overnight event will run from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own tents, sleeping bags or blankets. A free bagged meal will be provided.

The evening will include speakers, live music and the debut of the Genesis Joy House Anthem, created during a songwriting workshop led by Grammy-nominated songwriter Traci Hale. The anthem will later be featured in radio and television public service announcements across Middle Georgia and Atlanta.

Rebecca Bearden, outreach coordinator for Genesis Joy House, said the experience is designed to give participants a closer look at the challenges faced by unhoused people.

“Everyone’s gonna come out,” Bearden said. “They’re gonna bring their own tent. We’ll have a couple of speakers. We have a wounded warrior, a female veteran who’s gonna come and share some of her experiences from her time in the military and her hardships once transitioning out. We’re going to be experiencing the homelessness experience, so we’ll just be out here all night.”

All proceeds from the event will benefit Genesis Joy House programs, which provide transitional housing and support for homeless female veterans.

Genesis Joy House, based in Warner Robins, is the first transitional housing facility in Georgia dedicated solely to homeless women veterans.

Registration is available at genesisjoyhouse.com/no-roof-city.