While supplies last, registered participants will receive a free shirt (Photo: Submitted)
The Cheatham County Homeless Coalition is working to raise awareness about homelessness in the community and provide the public with a better understanding of what it means to be without a home.
The awareness campaign will kick off with a unique competition on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at the Cheatham County Courthouse in Ashland City.
As part of the Cardboard City challenge, teams will build cardboard homes. To do so, they will be given cardboard and duct tape, and will be able to pick one or two extra items such as rope, tarps, blankets, lumber, and scissors to build the homes. The homes will be judged, and prizes will be awarded.
Families, churches, schools, nonprofits, civic organizations, and businesses are invited to form a team of 4-6 people and participate in the experience. Teams need to register in advance for the event and can do so through the Cheatham County Homeless Coalition website located at atcheathamhomelesscoalition.com. There is no cost to attend or participate.
On the day of the event, teams should arrive for registration no later than 8:30 a.m. to be welcomed and learn the contest rules. Building will take place from 9:00-10:00am and announcements, speakers, judging, and awards will follow. The event will wrap up around 11:30am.
Breakfast will be available for purchase with the proceeds benefitting local Boy Scouts.
"Unfortunately, many communities, including ours, have seen an increase in homelessness due a lack of affordable and accessible housing,” said Lisa Wysocky, executive director of the Ashland City-based Colby’s Army, which assists those facing homelessness.
Organizations planning the Cardboard City event include Colby’s Army, Cheatham County School District, Cheatham County Community Enhancement Coalition, The United Way’s Family Collective, Penuel Ridge Retreat Center, Tackett Consulting LLC, and Safe Haven Cheatham County.
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