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Nov 09, 2011

St. Andrew's "Cardboard Box City" Featured in Houston Chronicle

Recently, EDOT reported on the efforts of St. Andrew's, Pearland to relieve homelessness through Family Promise of Clear Creek. Last weekend, they hosted a "Cardboard Box City" to raise awareness of homelessness. 125 teenagers participated in the event, raising $7,000. See the story below as reported by the Houston Chronicle's Rachel Gleason.

 

Cardboard Box CityJust what were 125 Pearland teenagers up to when they spent the night Nov. 5 in cardboard boxes?

 

Their stay in a cardboard city at St. Andrews Episcopal Church was to bring awareness to homelessness and raise funds for Family Promise of Clear Creek, an affiliate of the national organization Interfaith Hospitality Networks. But the teens, who were in grades 7-12, also said they gained something, too.

 

Despite kicking her small box all night and waking up hungry, 15-year-old Pearland High School sophomore Rebecca Monts said the event was a good way to bond with her friends over something they all enjoy doing - helping others.

 

"I can see how it could get tiring and frustrating sleeping in a box every night," Monts said of those who are forced to live in makeshift shelters. "It's not fun for them. I don't think they ever adapt to it."

 

By pledging at least $50 per student, church youth groups, school clubs and local Boy Scouts raised nearly $7,000 to help families transition into regular housing. The teens were given the bare essentials to survive the night: a cardboard box, a soup-kitchen dinner and a hose to wash up.

 

Read the rest of the story at Chron.com.