Youth experience dose of homelessness

By Cynthia Dougherty

On a cool damp night in late Nov. 18 youth from Shirley-Wilkinson Community UMC faced the elements to experience a small dose of what it is like to be homeless.

The evening began with Megan Faussett of the Outreach Center telling about her work with homeless teenagers in Indianapolis. Then the youth went outside for a learning experience they will not soon forget.

"We had gotten clothing donations from the community and the kids had to pick out some old clothes and jackets. We also had cardboard boxes and let the kids go choose their 'homes' for the evening. We also had a barrel where we had a fire," said youth leader, Mike Casey.

Casey's 13-year-old twin daughters were among those who spent the night on the church parking lot. "It was really hard and I wouldn't want to do it every night," said Bekah.

"Our box kept blowing over," said Jama. "Since it was wet outside, that made it worse. It's hard to believe some people have to do that every night."

"It made the kids more aware of what homeless people go through," said youth leader, Debbie Froman.

"They seemed to have fun, but they also realized that they are lucky and have a lot of luxuries that others don't have," said youth leader, Karla Willis.

Throughout the night, area residents brought donations of non-perishable food for the local food pantry, clothing for Fletcher Place and monetary donations for the Ministerial Alliance

Assistance Fund helps local families with heating bills and other emergencies. The youth, still dressed in homeless attire, presented the donations at church the next morning.

Cynthia Dougherty is the Rushville District communications coordinator.

Last updated on 01/14/2004

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