Why You Can't "Experience" Homelessness in One Night

by Shannon Moriarty · 2009-10-25 05:19:00 UTC
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In the coming months, thousands of people across the country will participate in 'Sleep-Outs for the Homeless.' Participants should be congratulated for raising money and learning a bit about this critical issue. But check yourself: don't think for a second that after participating in this event you have "experienced" homeless. Far from it.

Some of my colleagues have argued that Sleep-Outs for the Homeless can be the worst fundraiser ever, that they are simply "glorified slumber parties." This may be true in some cases. But I like to believe that, done correctly, these type of events serve an important purpose. All it takes a little bit of careful messaging and a lot of reflection.

Rather than framing a Camp-Out for the Homeless event as a "homeless simulation" with movies, pizza, and a festive atmosphere, these events are best done as a somber showing of solidarity. Rather than playing dress-up in tattered clothes, focus on hearing the stories of formerly homeless people who actually survived life on the streets. Remember those whose lives ended on the streets. Forget the pizza and donuts.

Openly acknowledge that one night camping out in a monitored group environment is a completely different experience than losing everything and ending up on the streets. A one-night camping experience can never replicate the stress, fear, pain, loss of pride, and loss of hope that often coincides with being homeless.

Sleep-Outs for the Homeless can be a powerful tool for building awareness and stimulating activism. This fall, don't be afraid to pass on the pizza and turn your even into a meaningful opportunity to take a deeper look at homelessness issues.

Image: freakychic1978

Shannon Moriarty has worked in various homeless shelters and service organizations around the country. She is a graduate student studying housing and urban policy at Tufts University.
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