Wasilla teens go homeless to raise awareness

Empathy was taught and cash was earned for homeless teens last week at Wasilla High School. Approximately $2,500 was raised for homeless teen winter gear by Wasilla High Schools new Teen Leadership class taught by Alison Little. The Leadership class camped out in the “back-forty” of WHS on Tuesday, October 6 to simulate and give a feel of what being homeless is like for a day.

“I never really had thought about it until I had done it, but now I see that people judge more and look at you more. And, it makes you shy away and withdraw,” said freshman Talia Dillard.

Students from the Leadership class camped out behind the school just left of the football field to get a taste of what it may be like to be a homeless teen. Students had to set up camp on their own after school and create their home for the night.

The 25 students brought a range of tents from small to large along with a dining canopy, most of which were of high quality standards. North Face, Columbia, Patagonia and other high quality brands were brought by students to prepare for a cold night. Yet, despite the quality gear, the students still described the night as uncomfortable, cold, wet, and unnerving.

Most homeless people don›t have that level of gear. But the fundraising and approximately 45 sponsorships are trying to help change that.

“I can guarantee you, without a doubt, that our gear was nicer than most homeless families,” said Little.

With the money raised, Little will go to Costco to purchase all new gloves, hats, snow pants, and wool socks for homeless teens, complete with a list of sizes and needs for specific families eagerly awaiting new gear. The gear will be given to the school nurse. From there, the nurse can distribute the items to the families in need discreetly with respect for their privacy.

The night included activities of flashlight kickball, s›mores, stories and gathering around a campfire to keep warm. Students ate pizza donated by Locals pizzeria for dinner and had day-old donuts and bananas for breakfast donated by Carrs and Donut King.

Later that day, the students spoke of how even though they had food and were full, they had become hungry very quick again due to lack of nutritional value.

“We can play it for a night, but I am not as productive as I usually am. I don’t feel as well as I normally do. And, I hurt,” Little said.

Leadership students experienced an eye opening night. The campout was designed to help build their empathy toward other students. Not just homeless students, but any students that look or seem like they could be having a rough time.

Little spoke passionately to the class during a debrief of the night about not judging students for falling asleep in class, not having their homework all the way done, or even not smelling that great; you can never be absolutely sure of what is going on in their life and what is affecting them.

“Most of the time, kids don’t come to school dirty by choice,” she told the class.

Little reminded her class, “If you walk away from high school with one thing, into the big bad scary world, and it’s empathy, you’re going to do great!”

Notice of the nation’s homeless teen numbers lies waiting to be posted during the WHS Teen Leadership camp out fundraiser. The leadership class raised $2,500 for winter clothing for homeless teens throughout the Valley.

Eli Ickes is a senior at Wasilla High and Journalism II student