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Macon Community Gathers for Daybreak Sleepout to Support Homeless
Annual overnight event raises funds and awareness for homelessness in Central Georgia.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Dozens of people gathered in Macon, Georgia, for the annual Daybreak Sleepout, an overnight event aimed at raising awareness and funds to support people experiencing homelessness in the local community. Participants set up tents and prepared to spend the night outside despite periods of rain, with the event serving as one of the organization's largest fundraisers each year.
Why it matters
Homelessness is a growing issue in many communities, and events like the Daybreak Sleepout help bring attention to the challenges faced by those without stable housing. The funds raised during the sleepout directly support services and programs for the homeless population in Central Georgia.
The details
Last year, the Daybreak Sleepout raised more than $300,000, and organizers said they are hoping to exceed that total this year. Several participants, including DePaul USA board member Jeff Batcher and CEO Chris Martinez, raised thousands of dollars in individual donations ahead of the event. For some, like first-time attendee Betty Jean Slater, the sleepout provided a deeper understanding of homelessness in the local area, while longtime participant Carole Seegert said the event's impact on those struggling with mental illness keeps her coming back year after year.
- The Daybreak Sleepout took place on Thursday, February 27, 2026.
The players
Jeff Batcher
A DePaul USA board member who raised more than $5,000 in donations for the event.
Chris Martinez
The CEO of DePaul USA, who participated in the overnight experience and raised nearly $4,000.
Betty Jean Slater
A first-time attendee who said the event helped bring awareness to homelessness in the local community.
Carole Seegert
A longtime participant in the Daybreak Sleepout, who has taken part in the event for more than a decade.
What they’re saying
“A lot of feeling like we're standing up for something that's really meaningful and helpful.”
— Carole Seegert
“It makes people aware of what is going on, not only in the city, but in this nation.”
— Betty Jean Slater
“Being in solidarity with all of those who are not privileged and don't have any choice but to sleep out.”
— Chris Martinez, CEO, DePaul USA
What’s next
Organizers said they are hoping to surpass the $300,000 raised at last year's Daybreak Sleepout, with the funds directly supporting services and programs for the homeless population in Central Georgia.
The takeaway
Events like the Daybreak Sleepout play a crucial role in raising awareness and funds to address the growing issue of homelessness in local communities. By bringing people together to experience a small part of the challenges faced by those without stable housing, the sleepout encourages greater community involvement and support for solutions to this complex social problem.
