Cincinnati, Ohio, October 17, 2013 – Several St. Ursula Academy students recently took part in a “Shantytown” experience with a goal of increasing awareness of homelessness and hunger in our area through education and participation.
Students created makeshift “homes” from boxes and other found materials. In addition, they listened to speakers from the Homeless Coalition as they shared personal stories and discussed obstacles for those facing homelessness—lack of affordable housing and a living wage.
Junior Barbara Castellini participated in the event and now has a completely different perspective of homelessness. “This event helped me break down the stereotypes of those who are homeless. A person who is experiencing homelessness often faces an uphill battle of paperwork and long waits to change their situation.”
Students had the opportunity to talk with a young lady who had experienced homelessness while she was in high school, a crisis that resonated with some of the students. “I can’t imagine facing being homeless in addition to the other pressures faced while in high school,” said senior Meredith Stautberg.
Senior Sarah Becker was inspired by the motivation and perseverance needed to overcome homelessness and senior Kenzie Corbin, who participated in the event for the second time, plans to major in Social Justice in college so that she can seek solutions to the social injustices we face in modern society.
This event was coordinated with the 3rd annual Empty Bowls event in which Art and Design students raised money for the Parish Kitchen in Northern Kentucky. The weekend ended with a prayer service.
To learn more about St. Ursula Academy, please visit www.saintursula.org.