Andrew College English classes raise awareness about homelessness

CUTHBERT — Three of Andrew College’s freshman composition courses are doing more than thinking about the chronic homeless problem in America. After reading a substantial number of current, critical articles that address aspects of the various types of chronic homelessness that continue to escalate throughout the country, students enrolled in these three courses, taught by Jason Huddleston, were required to write a persuasive essay that explored a particular type of chronic homelessness, its causes, failed attempts to resolve it, and one or more viable solutions.

As Huddleston argues, the need for student involvement in this issue remains vital.

“Composition courses can go in many different directions, and as English professors, we strive to make assignments as relatable to student experiences as possible,” he said. “Yet issues like homelessness — so commonplace throughout the United States — seem to be just beyond their scope of personal knowledge. They may encounter it on city streets or through media (often stereotyped and parodied), but ultimately they know little to nothing about the people and circumstances that make up this large population in society.”

Some of the students were given the opportunity to work with a homeless shelter, but recently all of the students gathered in front of the college to participate in building mock homeless structures and posting research information related to the issue — all in an effort to raise awareness.

Huddleston said he agrees that, regardless of the limitations that might prevent people from actively participating in changing issues like homelessness, the first steps are to become more aware of the issue and to share that awareness with others.

“People tend to ignore or scoff at what they do not comprehend,” the professor said. “I want students to know that no one deserves to live as a victim, whether from abuse, neglect or other atrocious circumstances, and that these victims are not only valuable members of our society but worthy of our compassion and advocacy.”