Students spend spring break
learning about homelessness

Students from San Antonio College and the University of Texas at San Antonio spent some of their spring breaks last month learning about homelessness and assisting in outreach ministries.
The young people took part in a three-day project called “Into the Streets: Feeding the Homeless.” It was organized by United Methodist Campus Ministries in San Antonio.
Working with Travis Park UMC, San Antonio, the group learned firsthand how young people could help provide food, clothing and shelter to the homeless.
Students, for example, took part in a conversation ministry.
“People don’t speak to homeless people,” said Laura Lopez, Travis Park volunteer coordinator. “That is why your gift of conversation and relationship is so meaningful to one on the streets seeking shelter, food, and hope for the day.
“You share in a ministry of transformation.”
Lopez is a former UTSA United Methodist Campus Ministry intern.
Students spent one day working with the St. Vincent DePaul meals program at the SAMM Shelter of the San Antonio Metropolitan Ministries. The young people helped serve food and assisted shelter staff to process people seeking beds for the evening.
Sunday activities included participating in a Bible study group for the homeless and receiving Holy Communion in the Travis Park sanctuary. The congregation included church members and homeless guests.
“This was a successful spring break mission effort that brought together human need, students and the Bible message: ‘I was hungry and you fed me,’” said Carissa Trejo, student leader and a member of La Trinidad UMC, San Antonio.