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REHOBOTH - They slept out in the rain and wind and dealt with their cardboard "homes" collapsing in the middle of the night.

More than 75 young people and adults from seven different churches in the area participated in the Attleboro Area Council of Churches' "There's No Place Like 'A' Home" homeless awareness campout this weekend on Redway Plain in Rehoboth.

"It was a very difficult night to sleep in a box in the rain and wind," said Don McLain, who coordinated the event for the Council of Churches.

But, he said, all the young people were great and did not complain.

"To get a teenager to commit to a whole weekend without cellphones or iPods is a great thing. And to be out in weather like this shows how much they believe in the cause," said McLain. Bob Branagan, one of the chaperones from Rehoboth Congregational, said it really gave the young people a little taste of what's it like to be homeless.

"It makes me feel grateful for what I have," said Ashley Rodrigues, who attended with Seekonk Memorial Baptist Church.

"We've already experienced how tough it is after just one night," said Amanda Ethier, of Attleboro, who attends Candleberry Chapel.

Many of the teenagers spent Saturday afternoon soliciting donations, working at church fairs, or serving meals at area soup kitchens such as Crossroads in Providence and Food 'n Friends in Attleboro.

When asked if they planned to participate next year, a group from Seekonk Memorial Baptist answered with a resounding "Yes."

The event, started by Rehoboth Congregational Church two years ago, was expanded this year with the involvement of the Council of Churches.

"I think it's great that more people are involved," said Lisa Heng, of Attleboro, who attends Rehoboth Congregational and slept out for her third year in a row.

Organizers said that getting more churches involved will help the event grow and raise awareness of homelessness and hunger even more. It has also helped build collaboration and opened communication lines between the youth groups of the churches, said McLain.

Although the group's goal is to raise $10,000, they were running short as of Saturday, mostly due to the weather. Donations are still being accepted and can be sent to the Attleboro Area Council of Churches, 95 Pine St., Attleboro, MA 02703 with a note that it is for the Homeless Awareness Weekend.