西雅图,华盛顿州 ——乍一看, it might seem like a student protest is taking place at 西雅图 Pacific University, a private Christian institution in an affluent 西雅图 neighborhood. In the middle of campus is a cluster of about 20 tents, 蓝色防水布, 木板走道, encircled by a metal fence with an American flag at the entrance. But this is actually a homeless camp of almost 80 residents, invited by SPU to live on campus until March 7, 2015.
Why did SPU invite homeless people to live on campus?
“Hosting Tent City 3 (TC3) is a concrete manifestation of 西雅图 Pacific University’s mission to engage the culture and change the world,” says SPU President Daniel J. 马丁. “It provides our community a unique opportunity to care for and learn from our neighbor.”
Learning about the issues surrounding homelessness is a major component of the three-month visit by TC3. The university has hosted weekly forums, documentary screenings, and lectures from homeless and affordable housing advocates to help the community understand the complexity of poverty and living on the streets.
The city of 西雅图 has sanctioned four “tent cities,” consisting of no more than 100 men and women. They relocate every three months, usually staying on church property. The community is self-managed and has a strict code of conduct. Residents take care of their own amenities like garbage and showers.
This is actually the second time TC3 has set up residence at SPU, the first time being in 2012. 像之前一样, 学生, 教师, and staff are interacting with their new neighbors in a variety of ways. Students have organized poetry workshops, game nights, worship events, and a Super Bowl party. Nursing 学生 host weekly foot care clinics. The Career Center invited TC3 residents to the annual “Senior Week,” a series of events for graduating seniors to help them prepare for life after college. Sessions included resume writing, interviewing skills, and managing money. Faculty regularly invite TC3 residents to their classroom.
“We want 学生 to sit down with Tent City folks and get to know them,欧文·萨利说, staff member and co-chair of SPU’s Host Committee. “When I know your name and learn from you, then we can be friends and learn about what the other person cares about.”
要了解更多网易彩票app TC3和SPU,请联系
特蕾西Norlen, Manager of Public Information
University Communications
206-281-2977
tcnorlen@maison-de-fanfan.com
maison-de-fanfan.com
推特
3307 Third Avenue West, Suite 116
西雅图,华盛顿州 98119-1922
西雅图 Pacific University
Engaging the Culture, Changing the World
Posted: Thursday, February 12, 2015