Overnight Vigil at Notre Dame Cathedral in Support of Homeless Individuals
On a chilly November evening, 14 students and three staff from Notre Dame College participated in a sleep out to raise funds for homeless charities and gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by those without a permanent home.
The sleep out began at 7:45 pm and ended at 6 am the following morning. Participants prepared for the event by donning extra layers and choosing a piece of cardboard as their makeshift mattress. The event aimed to provide an insight into the hardships of homelessness, as reported by lower sixth student Jasmine, who found the experience eye-opening.
"The hardest part was getting to sleep," Jasmine shared. "It was cold and uncomfortable, and I could only imagine what it must be like for those who have to endure this every night."
Notre Dame's lay chaplain, Andrew Sullivan, considered the sleep out a worthwhile challenge. He spoke about the importance of raising awareness and funds for homeless charities, especially during the winter months when the need is greatest.
Lydia, a representative from Depaul UK, addressed the students, sharing case studies of young people who are homeless and providing insights into different types of homelessness and why it occurs. She emphasised the critical concerns surrounding the safety of homeless women, a topic that resonated with the students, who engaged in group discussions around the subject.
The sleep out took place in a cold and dry environment, with fireworks going off nearby adding to the challenging conditions. Despite the difficulties, all participants completed the sleep out challenge and made it through to the morning.
While specific statistics from Lydia at Depaul UK about homelessness among young people in the UK were not available, broader research and advocacy underscore that homelessness among young people, especially women, is associated with significantly increased risks of violence and reduced life expectancy compared to the general population.
Depaul UK is a charity that focuses on meeting the needs of young people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. Their work includes providing safe accommodation, support services, and advocating for the rights and well-being of homeless youth. While specific statistics from Lydia or Depaul UK were not present in the current results, their messaging typically aligns with broader findings regarding the dangers and shortened life expectancy faced by homeless individuals, especially women and youth.
The students expressed their gratitude for the experience, with Jasmine recommending the sleep-out to anyone interested in learning more about homelessness and making a difference in their community. The event raised over £1,500 for Depaul UK, demonstrating the students' commitment to supporting those in need.
The sleep out, aimed at understanding homelessness, provided a glimpse into outdoor-living outside the comfort of home-and-garden, as participants endured a cold and uncomfortable night, echoing the challenges faced by those without a permanent home. The fundraising event for Depaul UK, focused on helping homeless youth, also shed light on the critical concerns surrounding the safety of homeless women, emphasizing the need for awareness and support to improve their lifestyle and living circumstances.
