Box City at St Francis

Our Youth Ministry held a Box City overnight event at St. Francis in early June. Participants were able to experience first hand some of what it feels like to be homeless. It was a sweltering night and clearly uncomfortable, yet our youngsters toughed it out, participating in group activities, prayer and then ending their evening sleeping in a box they decorated themselves. 

– From Jimmy R. 

“By sleeping overnight in a box I assembled, I gained an appreciation for the daily struggles of homeless people. I was able to experience first-hand how small items and comforts, like a pillow or dry socks, can increase the quality of life for those without a roof over their heads. 

– From Valerie G. 

Box City is a great way to build a sense of community while also creating an environment of solidarity in which teens can experience what it would be like to be homeless. This experience is a great way to bond with people around my age while also seeing just a fraction of what it is like to be homeless. Overall, this experience has made me even more grateful to live the life that I have the privilege to live every day.