For a third year, Santa Clarita Valley nonprofit organization Family Promise of SCV invites local residents to create and spend the night in a temporary “Box City” set up at Bridgeport Park in Valencia on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 29-30.

Starting at 4 p.m. Saturday and ending at 9 the next morning, Box City residents will experience what it’s like to be homeless for that one night, raising awareness and funds to support Family Promise of SCV’s efforts to help homeless families in our community.

Family Promise is dedicated to providing homeless families with interim shelter and support services, with the goal of transitioning the family into permanent housing. Family Promise provides comprehensive assistance for these families in a manner that offers hope, preserves dignity and promotes self-sufficiency.

Last year’s event drew about 250 “Box City” residents and raised about $35,000 for the organization’s resource center, according to Gary Choppé, chairman of the 2012 event.

“It’s where anyone who has a heart for the homeless — individuals, youth groups, families who would come out and participate and help us raise money for Family Promise,” Choppé said.

Participants set a goal to raise $100 in pledges and contributions, then sleep overnight in a cardboard box “home” as a resident of Box City. Those who raise $100 will also receive a free Box City T-shirt. Students younger than 18 need a chaperone for their group.

Participants must bring their own “dwelling” — a cardboard box, pop-up tent or a sleeping bag — and will eat a modest homeless shelter-style dinner Saturday night and a light breakfast Sunday morning.

There will be live music by local favorite Johnny Strat, original Drifters member Bobby Hendricks, contemporary Christian rock band The Blessing, the Northpark Community Church Worship Team and the OLPH Youth Choir.

There will also be a cardboard box decoration contest, games and other activities and entertainment for participants.

Deadline for online registration was Sept. 20, however, registrations will also be accepted at Box City on Sept. 29. Download the form here. Team and family members are encouraged to participate in groups. For those who can’t make it to the event, a donation can be made online.

Find Bridgeport Park at 23520 Bridgeport Lane, just off Newhall Ranch Road, in Valencia.