News

Shantytown begins on Sunday

Seven-day event promotes awareness of the homeless

10/12/02

The University’s annual Shantytown events begin Sunday, Oct. 13, on the residential mall as students build cardboard shanties from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. The students sleep in these shanties until Saturday, Oct. 19, regardless of weather conditions as a means of drawing members of the Xavier community into a deeper relationship with the homeless of Cincinnati. In addition, students hope to increase awareness and reflection about the global and local dimension of homelessness. Shantytown’s focus this year is raising the Xavier community’s consciousness toward issues of homelessness and poverty. A $50 contribution, which goes to the Drop Inn Center of Greater Cincinnati, is required to build a shanty. Senior Chris Penna and junior Amanda Corzine coordinate the week’s events. All of the events are held on the residential mall unless noted. • Sunday, Oct. 13 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.—Building of shanties on the residential mall. 11:30 p.m.—Reflection by Pax Christi. • Monday, Oct. 14 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.—Cooking for the Veg-Out. 5:30 p.m.—Veg-Out vegetarian dinner. 6:00 p.m.—Over-the-Rhine service learning semester panel. 8:00 p.m.—Homeless coalition speakers bureau. 11:30 p.m.—Reflection by Namaste. • Tuesday, Oct. 15 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.—Service day of community involvement at local nonprofit agencies. No classes; meet at shanties at 8:30 a.m. 8:30 p.m.—Take Back the Night movie night and reflection. (Rain site: Kelley Auditorium.) Reflection follows. • Wednesday, Oct. 16 5:30 p.m.—Hunger dinner simulation in Alter Hall. 7:30 p.m.—Muslim student association speaker. 11:30 p.m.—Reflection by Namaste. • Thursday, Oct. 17 7:30 p.m.—Dialogue and solutions discussion to reflect on the week’s events and importance of personal responsibility. 11:30 p.m.—Reflection by Namaste. • Friday, Oct. 18 Shantytown student community building. • Saturday, Oct. 19 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.—Community Action Day. 3:00 p.m.—Take down the shanties; potluck dinner; music. For more information, contact Tom Sheibley at 513 745-3046.