Each November, as temperatures drop across Mississippi, a group of people gathers not out of comfort, but out of compassion. On November 25–26, 2025, Mississippi MOVE, Inc. will host its 11th Annual Sleep-Out to Help the Homeless at Pittman Park, located at 825 W. Capitol Street in Jackson, Mississippi. The event brings together community members, students, faith leaders, and advocates to raise awareness about homelessness, trauma, and the policies that connect the two.
For more than a decade, the Sleep-Out has been more than an event—it has been a movement. It is a space where conversation meets compassion and where people come together to understand that homelessness is not hopelessness.
“For more than a decade, the Sleep-Out has been a space where compassion meets commitment,” said Mac Epps, Executive Director of Mississippi MOVE. “We do this not just to shed light on homelessness, but to help people understand the deep connection between trauma, poverty, and public policy.”
Bringing Awareness to Homelessness and Trauma
This year’s theme, “Bringing Awareness to Homelessness and Trauma,” highlights the need for trauma-informed approaches in housing, healthcare, and social policy. The Sleep-Out serves as an opportunity to stand in solidarity with those experiencing housing insecurity and to affirm that every person deserves dignity, safety, and a place to call home.
“Homelessness is not hopelessness,” said Sabir Abdul-Haqq, Mississippi MOVE Tech Director and Co-Founder. “When we come together to listen, learn, and serve, we remind people that every person deserves dignity, safety, and a place to call home.”
Sleep-Out to Help the Homeless Event Schedule
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
5:00 p.m. – Set-Up
6:00 p.m. – Kick-Off and Press Conference
9:00 p.m. – Nightcap Knowledge Podcast (Live Recording)
10:00 p.m. – Press Conference
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
6:00 a.m. – Morning Press Conference
Participants are encouraged to bring sleeping bags, tents, and warm clothing. The event will include community discussions, live interviews, and a live recording of the Nightcap Knowledge Podcast, featuring advocates, public officials, and individuals with lived experiences of homelessness.
How to Support Sleep-Out to Help the Homeless
While donations will not be accepted at the event, supporters are encouraged to contribute in advance at www.msmove.org or by contacting contact@msmove.org. Every contribution helps Mississippi MOVE continue its mission to educate, advocate, and organize around issues of equity, housing, and justice.
Partner Organizations for Sleep-Out to Help the Homeless
This year’s Sleep-Out is made possible with the support of:
- College of Health Services and Careers
- Mississippi In Action
- Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health
- Black With No Chaser
- Mississippi Black Pages
- Hollis Watkins Muhammad Foundation
About Mississippi MOVE
Mississippi MOVE (Motivating and Organizing for Voter Empowerment) is a nonprofit civic and social action organization dedicated to empowering communities through advocacy, education, and organizing. Founded by Mac Epps, George “Chuck” Patterson, and Sabir Abdul-Haqq, Mississippi MOVE builds leadership capacity and uplifts underserved Mississippians through programs that focus on civic engagement, public health, digital literacy, and economic equity.
To learn more, visit www.msmove.org or follow @mississippimov1 on social media.
Discover more from Black With No Chaser News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
