Pax Christi students show solidarity with the homeless

On November 1, a group of juniors, two seniors, and one sophomore met at the outdoor theater for the Homeless Solidarity Overnight, sponsored by Pax Christi. Sleeping bags, tarps, and layers and layers of warm clothing piled up, despite the temperature hovering in the low 60s. Participants chatted and worked on homework as they waited for the night’s activities to begin.

“I had this nervous feeling in my stomach because I didn’t know at all what it would be like and I also kept thinking to myself how weird it was that I was nervous to go to homeless solidarity when this was something that so many kids live through every day,” junior Sarah Isaacson said.

The night officially began with a presentation by Seniors Maggie Merrifield and Sophie Lodes, as well as Pax Christi Moderator Mr. Jendraszak. The presentation focused on raising awareness of the number of homeless persons, particularly homeless children, living in the Saint Louis area. All the girls who attended the overnight participated in the conversation, sharing their worries about the overnight, as well as the new awareness they had gained through the presentation.

After the presentation, several surprises awaited the girls, and they had their phones confiscated for the night. All electronics were to be turned off at 11, and once girls fell asleep they were woken up several times in order to simulate problems real homeless people faced.

In the morning students packed up their bags, got dressed and brushed their teeth in the school bathroom, and ate oatmeal outside. Then they went to a full day of school, deprived of sleep and caffeine.

“Homeless solidarity night gave me the opportunity to understand the plight of the homeless in St. Louis and around the United States,” junior Cathy Depenaloza said. “My favorite part was participating in several simulations that showed the realities homeless people face on a day to day basis. I learned a lot, and highly recommend the experience to everyone.”

Homeless Solidarity Overnight brings new awareness to an area of life many student would not have any experience with otherwise. And by all accounts, the 2017 overnight was a success.