Third Consecutive “Sleep out” Held on Campus Green to Support Youth Homelessness

Over 100 students set up sleeping bags on Friday evening for the third consecutive “sleep out” on the campus green. They braved the elements of a cold fall night in the Hudson Valley in support of youth homelessness in the area. 

Students sleeping out will raise money for Hudson River Housing, specifically their youth shelter, River Haven. 

Frank Merenda, a Criminal Justice professor and organizer of the event previously worked for the NYPD for 20 years. It was in this time when he realized how big of a problem youth homelessness is. “I was able to see how vulnerable of a population they are and how important it is to raise awareness for the issues they face along with offering services to help and support them,” said Merenda. 

He got the inspiration for the idea when hearing on the radio that a local high school would be doing a sleep over in their gymnasium. Merenda wanted to add more authenticity to the idea, so he decided to hold the event outside in the fall, in order to try and simulate a night of homelessness outside. 

This year, the event featured guest speakers such as Chris Canale and professor Tommy Zurhellen. Canale, who was previously homeless, now is a case manager at a homeless shelter, where he helps the homeless get back on their feet. “Hearing from someone first hand, who was formerly homeless, I believe made a strong impact upon the students,” said Merenda about a speech Canale made in previous years. Zurhellen, who walked across the country earlier this year in order to raise awareness for veteran suicide and homelessness was another speaker. 

Homelessness is on the rise in the Hudson Valley. The amount of people without a permanent home had largely fallen since 2013, when there were 1,463 people homeless. By 2017, the total had fallen to 1,022. But this year, the number spiked to 1,298 according to the Poughkeepsie Journal. These numbers just make events such as the sleep out even more crucial for those who need it. 

You can donate to Hudson River Housing at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/hudson-river-housing/marist-college-sleep-out-for-homeless-youth or go onto hudsonriverhousing.org and click on the Marist youth homelessness event screen that pops up.

Cover photo: Wikimedia Commons