This fall at Dalhousie University, under Brad's guidance, I have started a student group to combat homelessness in the Halifax area. Our goal is to bring the profile of homeless issues to the forefront of student's minds.
Last year, for a series of journalism articles I took on the Halifax Homeless as a centre point to which my articles surrounded. To gain the full experience of being on the street, I for one night decided to experience in full what it was like.
I dressed in my shabbier clothes and marched downtown in the evening. Immediately I was ashamed. I found it hard to look at people in the eyes and I felt even worse when they would purposely avoid me. The night was cold; so cold that despite my fatigue I couldn't fall asleep. People rushed by, hurried not to have to see the eye sore that I was. This was remarkable for me to feel. This was the first time that I had ever attempted to be inside the experience of someone whose life was dependent solely on the grace of God and the stability of the concrete beneath them. After one night I was beyond tired and I couldn't be happier to escape into the comfort of my own, secure, and warm bed. That was a year ago.
Since then a lot has changed. I realize that one night on the street is nothing. My attempt at "an experience" was far from the harsh realities that exist on our city streets. I have become impassioned for those marginalized on the streets, fueled with God's strength and confidence, and supported through Brad's accountability and guidance.
This year we hope to shorten the distance between the "haves" and "have-nots." We are encouraging students to be involved at the Metro Turning Point Shelter, Brunswick St. Mission for volunteering at breakfasts, socializing with homeless people at The Fish on Saturday nights, and letter writing advocacy parties to lobby our government. Through linking with established organizations and putting students in contact with them, we hope to have a year of genuine relationships fostered.
With a student-led group focused on combating homelessness in our area, not only are we pin-pointing outstanding issues, as well we are bringing students into their local community and encouraging their active participation in the world around them. In these great ways, the Christian Reformed Campus Ministry at Dalhousie is being "salt and light" to the community, and thus, truly making a difference.
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