Volleyball Tournament Raises Awareness, Funds for

Growing Number of Homeless at Jesus House

In the past year and a half, the rate of homelessness, addiction and mental
illness rose 35 percent, according to the Jesus House in Oklahoma City; and
every day, staff and volunteers fight to save the less fortunate from the demons
of addiction and poverty.

Starting Sept. 1, citizens throughout central Oklahoma can join that fight
through sweat, sand and fun.

Its a great opportunity to have a great time in a competitive environment while you are doing a
great service to people who need a chance to turn their lives around, Bateman said.

The Jesus House, located at 1335 W Sheridan Ave. in Oklahoma City, has helped the homeless,
victims of addiction and the mentally ill for more than 40 years. The center opened its doors in
1973, but today, a disturbing new trend is becoming apparent:

Weve definitely seen an increase in homelessness, mental illness and addiction in 18 to 30year-olds, said Bateman. Younger men and women are coming
through our food lines, and its very sad. We can be a light to
someoneour fight is to help them overcome addiction and
homelessness, but its difficult. Theyve been addicted for so long,
that its all they know.

The Jesus House serves the homeless and poverty-stricken in Oklahoma City with meals,
clothes, shelter and other services. Jesus House is an inner city, non-denominational Christian
outreach that focuses on serving the homeless community, especially those with mental illness
and addictions.

Last year, Jesus House served more than 100,000 meals,

gave away more than 10,000 bottles of water, distributed
more than 2,500 toys and hosted an estimated 3,000 shelter
nights for the homeless community.

Jesus House also recently announced the construction of a

new GED lab expected to provide more educational
opportunities for the homeless community.

For many, we are the only place they can turn to, Bateman
said.

SPIKE TO HELP
As a brand-new fundraiser, the four-on-four sand volleyball
tournament will be held Oct. 2 and 3 on the outdoor courts at
three locations.

The tournament will be double-elimination and will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2. Games will
resume on Saturday, Oct. 3, and will be played until the championship game has been
completed. Medals and prizes will be awarded to the top three teams in the tournament. The
entry fee is $90 per team with a registration deadline of Sept. 15.

In addition to participants, Jesus House is seeking additional sponsors for the tournament. The
sponsorships range from $5,000 Presenting Sponsors to $500 Awards Sponsors. Other
sponsorships include Traditional Goals Sponsors for $2,500, Recovery Sponsors for $1,500 and
Love Lives Here Sponsors for $1,000.

Those interested in entering a team into the tournament or wanting to sign up as a sponsor can
contact Grace Luna at grace.luna@jesushouseokc.org or at 405-232-7164. Volunteers can also
sign up online at jesushouseokc.org.

We want to bring awareness to the very serious issues that face many in the homeless
community while raising money to help with their needs, Bateman said. This tournament will be
a great way to accomplish all of that while providing a fun experience for our participants and an
entertaining atmosphere for those who want to watch some great volleyball.

Local celebrities and former NFL players will also participate.

For more information, call 405-232-7164.

By Heide Brandes | Photos Provided by Jesus House