A cardboard box was their home for the night.

They were there to get the feeling of what its like to be homeless and sleep in a makeshift shelter at “box city.”
They were also there to raise funds to help out homeless families.

On Friday night, July 23, nearly 100 youngsters and some adults made the best of it as they made shelters from cardboard boxes.
The event was held at the Evergreen Baptist Church of Los Angeles at its Rosemead location at 1255 San Gabriel Blvd.
Family Promise, a new non-profit organization dedicated to providing homes to homeless families, sponsored the event.
Teams of overnight cardboard dwellers came from churches throughout the West San Gabriel Valley. It included Boy Scout and church groups from Monterey Park, Rosemead and as far as Los Angeles and Pasadena.

Each “family” of homeless persons was asked to bring sleeping bags, pillows and flashlights. Many of the teams brought huge pieces of cardboard to construct their overnight dwelling. More cardboard was available from the sponsors.

Each team was requested to raise funds ranging from $10 to $100. The group raising the most money would be rewarded. A live rock band and snacks to help them through the night welcomed the overnight visitors. The next morning, they were treated to breakfast.

According to a statement, “Family Promise of San Gabriel Valley is an organization where people of faith work together to provide homeless families with help for today and hope for tomorrow.”

The group was incorporated in May 2009 and is one of more than 130 such groups across the nation affiliated with Family Promise, a national nonprofit organization committed to helping homeless families achieve lasting independence.

Local members of the association include the Chinese Evangelical Free Church, Chinese Grace Baptist Church, Christ Lutheran, Community Church of Holliston, ECF International Chapel, Evergreen Baptist Church of L.A., First Baptist Church of Pasadena, Friendship Baptist Church, Ministerios Nuevo Amanecer, St. Paul Lutheran, St. Stephen Martyr, and Trinity Church of Nazarene.

Information may be obtained by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by visiting their offices at 1005 East Las Tunas Drive, Unit 525, San Gabriel, CA 91776.