The below item is the introductory of a must read essay authored by Dana Szegedy, one of five Sterling College students who spent a night out together one cold rainy evening in Montpelier, Vermont during April of this year.
They began their education that evening in several indepth discussions spanning a variety of matters, including homelessness, housing, mental health, disabilities and related subjects while at the Another Way Drop-In Center before embarking out onto the streets for the night.
24-Hour Homeless Experience
in Montpelier, Vermont
Question of Perception
Perception: something rarely thought of, but often used.
What is your perception of a man walking the streets at night, tired, depressed, ragged looking? What's your perception of a former mental health patient? Or a clean, wise, helpful man who happens to be homeless? Is there a difference between these people?
Before you say "he wanted to be homeless" or "we don't have a problem with homelessness here," read about my experience as well as some of what people who either live or have lived homeless have to say about these matters.
An Eye Opening
24-Hour Homeless Experience
in Montpelier, Vermont
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