CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Some very brave people spent the night outside to help raise awareness for the homeless at the second annual "One Night without a Home" event in Charleston Friday.

Eleven agencies worked together on this event, including the YWCA, the Salvation Army, and Covenant House. For many, Friday night was an opportunity to walk a mile in some else's less fortunate shoes.

“Tonight is really about raising consciousness about what it means to be homeless,” YWCA of Charleston’s Debby Weinstein said.

It’s a feeling Chris Markins experienced for himself earlier this year. He became homeless in August.

Markins suffers from a mental illness. He lost his job and could not afford his medicine.

“I went through the hospital system and found the organization called the West Virginia Mental Health Cons Association. They offer help to people who are homeless who have mental illness. I moved into their Transitional Housing Department and lived there, and through them found work actually working for the organization.

Now Markins has a home. He and a few others shared their experiences at Friday night’s event.

“I've slept in tents,” Phillip Hughs said. “I've slept in vehicles, I've slept in laundry mats.”

Both Markins and Hughs now help people whose shoes they were once in, and for organizers, the event is really about making sure homelessness is not forgotten.

The Salvation Army had their mobile canteen out serving everyone hot chocolate and coffee. Gov. Manchin also stopped by for a bit to show his support.