The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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  • Homelessness

    Homelessness

September 19, 2010

Churches getting involved in raising money for homeless youth storefront

By Robb Murray The Free Press

MANKATO — Lutherans and Catholics working together? Really?

When it’s for a good cause, anything’s possible.

The cause, in this case, is the least fortunate of our community’s children, the ones who don’t have a bed to sleep in at night or a place to call home.

In an effort to raise money for a homeless youth drop-in center in Mankato — which Lutheran Social Service has been pursuing for more than a year — a youth minister from St. John the Baptist Catholic Church decided to try something a little radical.

On Oct. 2, possibly more than 100 kids grades 7-12 will camp out in cardboard boxes in a grassy area near the Madison Avenue McDonald’s Restaurant.

Before you ask, here’s the answer: “There’s no doubt that these kids will never know what it’s  like to be homeless unless they actually become homeless,” said Peter Bierer, youth minister at St. John the Baptist. “It’s obvious it doesn’t replicate anything close to reality, other than the fact that they’re outside for the night. But the main point is that it raises awareness that there are homeless kids in our area.”

And now it’s not just Lutherans and Catholics. Bierer says that since their initial meetings, they invited all denominations to participate.

The movement began with social workers at LSS wanting to do more for homeless youth. But as they work out of a church basement, it’s been difficult to reach homeless youth to offer them services.

So they decided to try and find a storefront location, a visible spot where any homeless youth could quickly find them and get help, whether it be food or shelter or referrals to agencies where they can get other help.

They’ve steadily worked toward raising enough money to open. And the upcoming sleepout event will help them get closer.

Bierer says he got involved after attending a meeting of a group called Circle of Hope. After hearing about Circle’s work with the drop-in center efforts, he decided to try and help on his own.

“I decided I’d talk to my youth ministry friends and see if we can get something bigger going,” he said.

And that’s when the cross-denominational sleepout idea was born.

“I think when it comes to social justice and social issues, we all pretty much have the same idea,” Bierer. “We all come at it from the stance that Christ would, which is to help the poorest of the poor. That’s pretty much universal, it crosses denominational lines.”

The event will include games, contests and live music, as well as the wisdom of a few guest speakers.

Bierer says they’re encouraging kids to not bring electronic devices such as iPods, but cell phones are OK. Most importantly, however, kids should bring their own cardboard box to sleep in. During the sleepout, there will be a box decorating contest.

To sign up, visit stjohnscatholicchurch.com, or call Bierer at 387-6928. All participants must pre-register, and must be accompanied by a chaperone. They need not, however, be affiliated with a church.

“They can participate,” Bierer said. “As long as they’re comfortable with the idea that there’s going to be some praying.”

There is a $5 fee to participate and is payable at the event. Bierer requests groups to register by Sept. 24.

The event is for kids only and their chaperones.

 

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