Students Will Walk In Homeless People's Shoes In Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON, VA—As the holidays approach and the cold weather sets in, some will be struggling to find a place to keep warm. Over 100 community members will get to walk in their shoes this weekend.

On Saturday, Nov. 18, over 100 high school students and others will sleep in boxes outside Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Mount Vernon for the "Homeless for a Night" campout They will spend hours without their electronics, giving them time to reflect on what the homeless experience.

Kevin Lynch, a freshman at West Potomac High School and his friends will be a few of these participants. “I think it will be a good experience to walk in the same shoes as someone who is less fortunate than I am," he said.

The event seeks to raise awareness for homelessness and collect donations. The church is asking for donations of socks and adult male winter boots, which the hypothermia shelter at Rising Hope United Methodist Church is in need of.

The campout will happen from 2:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, the Bishop of Arlington, will also hold a Mass at 5 p.m. Good Shepherd Catholic Church is located at 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria.

Image courtesy Arlington Diocese