REHOBOTH - Since 2007, Rehoboth Congregational Church's youth group has held an annual weekend campout in the fall to raise awareness about homelessness. This year, the Attleboro Area Council of Churches is involved, and more than 100 young people from churches all over the area are expected to participate.

"There's No Place Like 'A' Home" will take place next weekend, Nov. 13-15 at the Redway Plain in Rehoboth.

The group's goal this year is to raise $10,000, and proceeds will benefit the Council of Churches' programs, including six Food 'n Friends soup kitchens, as well as local food pantries and other charitable organizations in the area.

"Last year we invited a few other churches to participate, but this year we're taking it to the next level," said Don McLain, coordinator of youth Activities for the Attleboro Council of Churches, and a member of Rehoboth Congregational Church, who is coordinating the event for the third year.

There are between eight and 12 churches participating, including Rehoboth Congregational, Evangelical Covenant and Candleberry Chapel in Attleboro; Grace Episcopal in North Attleboro; Central Congregational in Attleboro Falls; Seekonk Memorial Baptist; Bethany Congregational in Foxboro and Original Congregational in Wrentham. "We want to make people more aware of how serious a situation homelessness and hunger is, and we only have to look as far as our own back yard to find those in need," said McClain.

The teenagers sleep in sleeping bags and cardboard boxes at night and collect money and food at various locations during the day. Adults are on hand to supervise.

"On the second night, reality sets in, and they can really imagine what it's like to be homeless, to sleep in the cold and not know where your next meal is coming from," said McClain.

The event will begin Friday at 6 p.m. with a worship service at St. John the Evangelist Church in Attleboro, where the community is invited. It will be followed by a candlelight procession to Veterans Memorial Common in the downtown.

Donations can be dropped off at the Friday night service, at Redway Plain or Saturday at any of the locations where the teenagers will be soliciting.

The group is also seeking local business and community sponsors willing to help with firewood, food and other supplies. Anyone interested in donating, or for more information, contact Don McClain at 508-369-3582.

Laura Calverley covers Rehoboth for The Sun Chronicle. She can be reached at lcalverley@aol.com.