St. Anthony in Sullivan seventh, eighth –

A homeless and hungry man. (Photo by MART PRODUCTION from Pexels)

The students of St. Anthony in Sullivan attempted to get a deeper understanding of the homeless through a simulation activity. This undertaking was a part of Confirmation preparation.

Walk-in Their Shoes

Last Nov. 18, seventh and eighth-grade students at St. Anthony School in Sullivan experienced walking in someone else’s shoes – becoming homeless individuals. The St. Louis Review reported that at approximately 7:50 a.m. These students received an eviction notice.

They were asked to leave class and quickly have their belongings removed from their lockers. They are now called the “homeless” individuals and joined PSR students in making temporary shelters out of cardboard boxes.

Later that day, these 13 students began their overnight immersion experience to dig deeper into the reality of homelessness. This simulation has been in practice for 15 years for the Confirmation Preparation at St. Anthony School and PSR.

Barb Brendel, a now-retired teacher, started this simulation. It aims to teach students and think of solutions to the pressing issues of poverty and homelessness.

Participants experienced several simulation activities, met a volunteer with Peter and Paul Community Services, and got educated about area homelessness from a Sullivan police officer.

The students also spent the night in a makeshift shelter set up – the school gymnasium. Additionally, the simulation includes activities that give each student a character with some essential identification and scenarios to consider.

Students also experienced getting food at a simulated “Soup Kitchen” at St. Anthony. At the end of the simulation, the students were expected to discuss ways to address the issue of homelessness. Moreover, organizers challenged them to think of a future service project.

Still from the report of St. Louis Review, in the past, participants have held drives to collect coats, hats, and other personal care items.

Homelessness in Missouri

According to the data from the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, as of Jan. 2020, the state of Missouri had an estimated 6 527 experiencing homelessness on any given day, as reported by Continuums of Care to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Out of such numbers, 704 were family households, 453 were veterans, 664 were unaccompanied young adults, and 1,090 were persons experiencing chronic homelessness.

St. Anthony Catholic School in Sullivan

“Pray Together, Play Together, Learn Together”

As indicated on its webpage, the school offers a nurturing climate for learning through its motto, “Pray Together, Play Together, Learn Together.” The collaboration of the entire school community through creating and supporting an environment that encourages and guides students towards spiritual, academic, and personal excellence makes this motto a reality.

Most importantly, students are treated with dignity, deserving of a child of God. St. Anthony Catholic School is located at 119 West Springfield Road Sullivan, MO 63080.

School days are from Monday through Friday. The school provides Before- and After Care

in the old school building for students who need to be dropped off earlier or picked up later. Those who qualify are provided with free and reduced lunches.