Homeless School

Shivering for a Cause
By RACHEL STOKES Next Correspondent Updated: 12/06/07 11:26 AM


Staying warm in temperature that were in the teens, are, Matt Webb, Andrea Barajas, Jessie Lea Appenheimer, Donovan Block, Liza Fiorello and Sarah Brooks. It was 11 p.m. Friday, the last day of November, with a wind advisory issued for all the counties in Western New York. Instead of being dark, empty and quiet, Cheektowaga Central High School’s front lawn was filled with cardboard boxes, news trucks and dozens of overly excited students. This could only mean one thing: It was time for the Sleepout for the Homeless.
This was Cheektowaga Central’s 10th sleepout, something that school social worker Joan Conti is always very excited about. The sleepout is organized and sponsored by the school’s “Challenge” team, a group that promotes healthy lifestyles, leadership development and social justice. Conti runs the group.

“It takes weeks to prepare,” said senior Liza Fiorello, who has participated in the sleepout three times and is also a member of Challenge. “We call many places to sponsor us, and they each donate $150 for us. And then we ask Dunkin Donuts and even Pizza Hut to donate food and coffee.” Patricia Carter, StudentCouncil adviser, was also excited about the event. “Student Council donated $150,” she said.

Students who sleep out also add to the donation tally. Conti said students must collect sponsorships of “at least $25 to participate, but some pay more.” There are also prizes for a few students who personally raise the most money. Over the years the sleepout has raised more than $20,000, bringing in at least $2,000 this year alone. Half of the money donated goes to Friends of the Night People and the other half to Compass House; both are organizations that give aid to the homeless.

Most students were very excited about the occasion. “I think it’s really cool, this is my fourth year doing this,” said senior Angel Barajas. “It’s also a privilege.”
Freshmen Margaret Drzewiecki, Allyson Maguda and Brenda Soukaseum had always heard good things about the event, and couldn’t wait for 9 p.m. to come so they could experience their first sleepout. All three said that it definitely would not be their last. “It was a learning experience,” said Margaret, and the trio is already planning for the next sleepout. Allyson said what everyone at the event was thinking when she added: “Hopefully [next year] it’ll be warmer.” (The National Weather Service reported a low of 18 degrees overnight.)

The wintry weather definitely made the students realize the conditions that the homeless face. Most participants found out that wearing lots of layers and huddling by the fire was the best way to stay somewhat warm. Sophomore Nicole Scherrer dressed like a pro, despite the fact that it was her first time sleeping out. “I’m wearing two pairs of leggings, a few shirts, and a coat and a hat.” Students are allowed into the school building to warm up and grab some pizza or hot chocolate, while some even chose to bring their boxes inside for the night. Cardboard boxes are an essential part of the sleepout. Friends often combine their boxes to create a larger area, or help each other decorate. Liza’s box featured hearts, stars, and the words “Liza’s Home.” There is a box-decorating contest, with the winner receiving a gift card, but the things inside the box are more important to those participating. “Some people have air mattresses, some people have sleeping bags and pillows and blankets, I have a broken Frisbee in mine. I think one girl has a portable DVD player to watch ‘Happy Feet,’” said Nicole.

Along with helping out those who are less fortunate, the sleepout provides an eye-opening experience for students as well as giving participants the chance to have a whole night of good times with friends. Since the event lasts from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., the 75 students participating on Friday came up with some interesting ways to keep themselves amused. During sleepouts the gym is always open, with participating teachers playing basketball with the students. Games of Truth or Dare, Manhunt, and hideand- seek are often seen taking place. Seniors Dan Stachewicz and Angel Barajas even played Twister in the hallway with a group of friends. Earlier that night the same group was having a good time pulling each other around the school in their sleeping bags.

As the night wears on, some students get groggy and quiet, but the goal for most participants is to make it through the night without falling asleep. According to Liza, “some people get crazy and they smash their boxes.” She also added that there are always “diehards” who stay up for the entire time, and stay outdoors.

http://www.buffalonews.com/185/story/221811.html

This is supposed to be a realistic experience simulating being homeless. The last time I went down to the Boylan Street Bridge, where a group of homeless day laborers sleep, I don't recall seeing pizza, donuts, and coffee. And I certainly don't remember them playing Truth or Dare, Manhunt, or Hide-and-Seek. There was no gymnasium for these guys to shoot basketball to warm up. In fact, if these guys went inside the local gym, the neighbors would call 911 and they'd be immediately arrested for trespassing.

And where were the liquor and drugs? Most homeless are homeless because they struggle with substance abuse problems. Lets get the kids ridiculously drunk and toss them out in a field somewhere to replicate the experience. It would probably end in a Lord of the Flies scenario, most of the kids either freezing to death or being murdered. Then they could really see what it's like to be homeless.