Youth build cardboard village for homeless awareness

Some local youngsters are preparing for a very cold night; they're camping out in cardboard boxes at 5th Street and Grand Avenue in an effort to raise awareness about homelessness. 

It’s called cardboard village and it’s hosted by First United Methodist Church.

It's going to be cold Saturday night with lows dipping into the 30's,  but cardboard village participants are exposing themselves to some of the challenges facing those who live on the streets.

Katie Garner, says, "Right now we're learning about what it’s like to be homeless around this time of year, especially because it’s probably going to be cold tonight."

“We’re asking them to push through that discomfort because by the morning it will be an experience that they're not going to forget," event organizer, Emily Kempton, said.

These kids will be out in Grand Junction collecting canned food, raking leaves, and cooking meals for people in need.

"The good thing about this is we are also helping out people," participant Michaela Ladage, said.

Before they settle into their boxes, they'll hear from former members of the homeless community, reminding them of how fortunate they are and how they can help others.