University of Lynchburg is observing Hunger and Homelessness Week with several activities to help students and community members learn about the plight of people living in poverty, while also providing service to those in need.
The observance began Sunday night when a few students participated in the Solidarity Sleepout. The annual event encourages students to sleep outdoors overnight in order to experience what homelessness is like. Participating students also recruit sponsors to donate money for local homeless shelters each night they sleep outside.
Solidarity Sleepout continues until November 11. Students who would like to participate should contact Kayla Fuqua ’17 or Brittany O’Connell ’17.
Other events include:
Poverty Simulation
On Monday at 7 p.m., students will learn more about the experience of poverty through an activity in the West Room in Drysdale Student Center. The poverty simulation will allow students to role play situations faced by people who live in poverty and see how they would react.
Feeding the Hungry
University of Lynchburg community members will serve a meal to people in need at Park View Community Mission Wednesday evening. Faculty, staff, and students are donating money to provide the food, and some will prepare and serve the food. Donations to support this effort can be sent to Christie Rapp in the Spiritual Life Center. Checks can be made out to University of Lynchburg with “Park View” in the memo line.
“Time Out of Mind”
University of Lynchburg is partnering with Miriam’s House to show the film “Time Out of Mind” on Thursday, November 10, at 6:30 p.m. In this film, Richard Gere stars as George, a homeless man in New York City who seeks to repair his relationship with his daughter. “Time Out of Mind” won the International Critics’ Award at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2014. After the film, a panel discussion will address homelessness nationwide and in Lynchburg. A dessert reception will follow. Admission is free, but donations to Miriam’s House are welcome.