(WSBT) A recent national study shows more than 700,000 people are homeless across America, including 10,000 in Indiana and 26,000 in Michigan. That's why, as temperatures dropped Wednesday night, dozens left their warm beds behind to draw attention to those without a home.

Outside South Bend's Center for the Homeless, there was still plenty of activity just before 11 p.m. A wood chipped playground was home for the night. You might think that would mean tents, camping gear, and lots of warm blankets. But for nearly 45 people gathered with candles in hand, it means bare ground and the bare necessities.

Lawrence Malone, 18, is one of them.

He grew up in South Bend as a foster child, and says things were "good" until it all came crashing down last year. There were the problems associated with drugs, then the decision to drop out of Adams High School.

It wasn't long before the streets became home.

"[It was] hard," he said, after pondering the question for a moment. "It was cold. Lonely."

Three weeks ago, Lawrence decided to clean up, get sober and come to the Center For The Homeless.

He says it's given him his life back.

"I have food to eat. [I have] clothes on my back. [I have] a place to sleep every night, don't have to be outside," he said.

This week many are marking National Hunger and Homeless Awareness month, and decided to make their own mark by participating in the Center's "one night without a home" event. They gathered to pray, to sing, and to remember the 700,000 Americans who spend every night out in the cold.

The Center's Development Director Jacqueline Kronk is making her bed there for the same reason.

"When it gets this cold out, people need to realize people are freezing and hungry," she said. "Homelessness is a real issue in our country and our community."

Still, organizers are quick to point out the "sleep out" won't show what homelessness is truly like.

"It could never get at the points of hopelessness that men, women and children may feel when they have to sleep out on the streets, and they have nothing," the Center's Executive Director Steve Camilleri told the group.

But it has helped Lawrence put his life in perspective.

"It makes me feel like people care," he said.

His goal now, is to keep the flame of hope for the homeless from dying out.