ALEDO, ILLINOIS (November 10, 2025) — On Friday, February 6, 2026, the parking lot of the Aledo VFW will once again become an overnight shelter–but only for one night of the year. Participants in Mercer County’s Night in a Car event will experience what it’s like to live out of a vehicle, bringing attention to the hidden crisis of rural homelessness while raising funds for the Mercer County Emergency Housing Fund.
Now in its second year, Mercer County’s Night in a Car challenges individuals, families, businesses, churches, and community groups to spend one night sleeping in their cars. Each team is encouraged to raise at least $500 in sponsorships, with 100% of proceeds going to support local residents experiencing housing insecurity. In fact, for less than $200, you can help prevent someone from becoming homeless.
Your gift keeps our neighbors safe, warm, and stable in their homes.
“In rural communities, homelessness doesn't always look the way people expect,” says Tara McFarland, one of this year’s organizers.
“You won’t see people sleeping on sidewalks, but you’ll find them couch-surfing or sleeping in cars. The housing initiative also focuses their efforts on homelessness prevention, those at risk of losing their housing altogether. Night in a Car brings those realities into focus–and shows how our community can respond with creativity and compassion.”
New for 2026: Theme and Early Engagement
This year’s theme, “Not Just a Parking Spot,” speaks to the deeper purpose behind the event: putting the spotlight on the vehicles that become last-resort shelters for many in Mercer County.
With earlier outreach, a fresh messaging campaign, and a streamlined team structure, organizers hope to grow participation and increase fundraising beyond last year’s totals. Local businesses are encouraged to sponsor teams, or contribute directly as event sponsors, as well as promoting the event through their networks.
Event Details:
● What: Mercer County’s Night in a Car — Homelessness Simulation Fundraiser
● When: Friday, February 6, 2026 | 7PM-7AM | February 7, 2026
● Where: Aledo VFW Parking Lot (Drive-In style — building will be open for restrooms and refreshments)
● Why: To raise awareness of rural homelessness and provide emergency housing support
● Who: Open to individuals, families, student groups, churches, and businesses
How to Get Involved
● Register a car/team
● Sponsor a participant or the event itself
● Volunteer
● Donate to the Mercer County Emergency Housing Fund
For more information or to sign up, visit mcbettertogether.org/nightinacar or contact one of the event leads, Heidi Hess, at heidi.hess@mercyone.org or Tara McFarland at tara@mcbettertogether.org.
About the Mercer County Housing Initiative: The Mercer County Housing Initiative was launched in 2021 and involves partner agencies from health-care to law enforcement, housing providers to social services. The mission of this task force is to provide emergency housing, transitional housing, and affordable housing for Mercer County residents to help the community thrive and low-income families to increase their potential long-term.
