More than 200 sleeping bags lined City Deck Landing in downtown Green Bay on Sunday morning, in a display meant to make homelessness in Brown County visible.
Each bag stood for one person counted during the county's most recent point-in-time survey of people experiencing homelessness. Community members gathered with Remnant Church for a brief service before helping with the project.
Pastor Scott Eastman of Remnant Church said each bag represents a neighbor who will have a way to stay warm that night. He noted that a sleeping bag carries far more weight in November and the winter months than in summer, and said people have died in the city while sleeping outside.
The bags will be handed out through community organizations that serve people experiencing homelessness, including Wise Women Gathering Place, New Community Shelter and the Salvation Army.
Josh Benti of the Brown County Homeless and Housing Coalition said those affected include young adults working full-time and living in cars, families, individuals and senior citizens. The coalition plans its next point-in-time count in January and is seeking volunteers.
