2000-2001 News ArchivesGreenville College Students Learn About Homeless by Sleeping in BoxesFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/20/00 Why did large cardboard boxes, newspapers, and blankets litter Greenville College’s Scott Field Thursday and Friday morning? The college chapter of Habitat for Humanity sponsored a "Shack-a-Thon" October 18-20. More than 70 students and faculty members turned out for the event aimed at educating people about homelessness and moving them toward action. Guidelines allowed participants only one blanket and whatever clothes they could wear for the two-day event. Habitat provided cardboard boxes for everyone to sleep in and planned a series of activities for the participants. College senior Mary Rittenger, head of the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity and event coordinator, said the national organization’s goal is to "eliminate poverty housing worldwide." To accomplish a goal of this magnitude, Rittenger says, "requires able people everywhere to move toward action." Before people will take action, someone must make them aware of the problem of homelessness and impress upon them the need to eliminate it. She believes the Shack-a-Thon "did a good job of raising awareness on campus." Overall, event coordinators were very pleased with the turnout and feel that they accomplished their goal. Shack-a-Thon began Wednesday, October 18th at 9:00 p.m. and continued through Friday, October 20th at 6:00 a.m. All students, faculty, and staff members were invited to join in the event. Participants brought one blanket, whatever clothes they could wear, and the books they would need for classes. Habitat encouraged everyone to refrain from returning to their rooms or going to the Dining Commons, and to fast for 48 hours. Habitat also facilitated a "concert of prayer" for specific issues and people dealing with homelessness and hunger. Other activities included praise and worship services and presentations by Dr. Richard Huston, Greenville College professor of History and Political Science, and Steph Schmidt, a social worker from St. Louis. When asked for their reactions to the experience, most students commented on how cold it became during the night. "I’m SO thankful for my box," Keara Sheehan remarked. In response to an inquiry about what parts of the experience were the most difficult, Kristen Davis said, "the cold and the lack of bathrooms." Despite the discomfort they experienced, or maybe because of it, students got the point of the event. "It gave me a sincere realization of how fortunate we are," Duke Hampsh commented. Other students offered thanks for friends and family and seemed excited about doing what they can to help the homeless from now on. To conclude the Shack-a-Thon Friday morning at 6:00, Habitat sponsored a breakfast. Dean of Students Norm Hall came out to help serve the hungry students. "Students like Mary and her team who put life-changing events like this together are what make the Greenville College experience what it is," he commented. Later that morning, the college held a special chapel sponsored by Habitat for Humanity in the Free Methodist Church. The chapel also focused on the problem of homelessness and featured a guest speaker and a special demonstration by those who participated in Shack-a-Thon. In regards to the success of the event, Rittenger said, "We did the education. Now it's up to the people to act." Greenville College is a four-year accredited Christian liberal arts school. Founded in 1892 and affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, the college is located in Greenville, Illinois, 45 miles east of St. Louis. -- END -- Last updated: November
6, 2000 |