I am writing in response to the article on Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. I found this article lacking in perspective. The class’s point of view on homelessness and purpose for the sleepout was not accurately portrayed at all.

As a participant in the Homeless Sleepout, I can say that none of us ever claimed the experience was near the equivalent of actually being homeless. Quite the opposite really, because throughout the three days my classmates and I reflected on how easy we actually had it and the ways in which the sleepout could be made more difficult and closer to the reality of homelessness.

In many ways, I think it is near impossible to simulate true homelessness unless we were very literally thrown out on intercity streets without any forewarning, and obviously that is not very plausible because the school would be held liable, and I am sure there would be many parental complaints.

To address the complaint about the class not sleeping outside or in cardboard boxes: first of all, that is a terribly ignorant stereotype because ideal sleeping areas that homeless people search for are dry, shielded and as hidden as possible. The less attention they bring to themselves, the better, because according to the National Coalition of Homeless, between the years 1999 and 2007 there were 774 acts of violence against homeless people by housed people. These acts resulted in 217 murders. This does not account for acts of violence amongst homeless people. The homeless population wants to remain as inconspicuous as possible so as not to attract negative attention, and sleeping in a box or in the middle of a public place is certainly the opposite.

As a class, we understand that the sleepout cannot directly change homelessness. Our intent in doing the sleepout was to gain a more personal knowledge toward some of the aspects of homelessness and raise awareness. Obviously, by the publication of the article and the reactions of our peers, we attained our goal. Also, as individuals we walked away from the experience with a better understanding of homeless life, more respect for the homeless population, and more gratitude toward the relationships and possessions we have.

Bethany Murray ‘14