The Salvation Army in Napier is asking people to sign up to be "homeless" or to sponsor someone during a national initiative - 14 Hours Homeless - next month.
14 Hours Homeless is a Salvation Army initiative, now in its third year, where the organisation partners with other agencies, businesses and individuals to raise awareness around homelessness, and funds to help those affected.
Organisers are calling on people, co-workers, friends and family, to seek sponsorship to spend 14 hours sleeping outside on cardboard or couches or in cars. The event is for those aged 18 and older.
"This is a fun and different way for community groups and work places to come together for a great cause," said Major Pam Waugh, head of the Salvation Army's Community Ministries.
"Last year, some of those taking part discovered cardboard gets damp overnight, but we were far more sheltered than the many New Zealanders for whom cramped and cold conditions are the sad norm."