This past Thursday the K.R. Barkman park in Steinbach was the overnight home to about 50 people who participated in the CEO sleepout to raise awareness about homelessness and those in need of support in our community and region. The event was organized by the Board of Today House which is an emergency shelter in Steinbach.
The participants were invited by the organizers and were selected to represent a cross section of community leaders. The overnight sleepout was intended to give participants an experience and awareness about those who are either homeless for a period of time or who rely on other community support.
While the sleepout was an eye opening experience for all those who participated, it does not provide a real understanding of what homelessness or helplessness is. Each of those who participated knew they would be returning to their own home the next evening and knew where there next meal was coming from. That is an assurance the homeless do not have. But the sleepout was intended, according to the organizers, to raise awareness among the public and those who participated about the challenges that many people face. And by that measure it was a great success.
Participants learned about the Community Outreach Program which is run by the Steinbach Mennonite Church. This program helps those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. As well, we visited the Soup’s On soup kitchen at the Grace Mennonite Church to hear about those who rely on the lunches and dinners they provide.
We also heard presentations from those who work with domestic violence victims, presentations about affordable housing, from those who have reported on the local issue of homelessness, from the Helping Hands Food Bank and of course from the Board of Today House.
Each of us were impressed by the amount of time and energy the volunteers and supporters of these various organizations dedicate to helping those in need. Their heart and compassion for helping people was very evident in their presentations. It was also very encouraging to see how the different groups, which provide different but complimentary support, work together to help individuals. While part of different programs they work together for the common goal of helping those in need.
While the sleepout raised money for Today House, it provided the type of awareness and appreciation among those who participated that went far beyond the financial support. It provided awareness that there are more people in our City and region struggling to provide even basic shelter for themselves than we know. And while there are incredible men and women who are working to help meet those needs, there is much more work that needs to be done.
