Hoping to raise awareness of what homeless people face, and also money to help them, the Gloucester Salvation Army Service Center has issued a sleep-out challenge.

In the challenge, teams will raise money and sleep overnight on the grounds of the Gloucester Moose Lodge. The Salvation Army is asking churches, students, business CEOs and employees, and community leaders to sign up for the experience of being homeless for 12 hours, a release said.

"A Night Without a Home" begins at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15 at the Moose Lodge. Those taking part will spend the night out in the elements, said Darlene Lee, service center director. The registration fee is $25 a person, and each participant is responsible for raising $100 or more, Lee said.

Those taking part must be age 17 or older.

Participants will be advised on preparing for their 12 hours of homelessness through such means as wearing extra layers of clothing, a hat, and finding the materials to build their own shelters. Securi...