Spring Break Offers a Lesson in Poverty

By: Julie Grieco
Posted In: News

Camden, New Jersey, is the second poorest city in the nation and home to an overwhelming hoard of deserted homes, filthy streets, and unemployed citizens. Drugs are cheap and plentiful; prostitution is a main source of income and the shelters for the homeless are full.

There have been 28 murders since the beginning of 2004; 29 if you include the fatality that took place while a group of Salve students were there. Yet, for the Salve students that chose to take part in Urban Challenge, an alternative spring break located in this city of desolation and injustice, the most amazing part of visiting Camden was the realization of the potential amidst its anguishing peril.

Astonishingly, over 200 active churches can be found amongst this city of destitute. St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a Catholic parish, is home to an urban outreach program, which a group of nine Salve students become a part of during their spring vacation.

The Urban Challenge program included presenters who provided information on the social injustice found in lesser opportune areas. The topics included the city’s local restoration organization, a center for those affected and infected by AIDS/HIV, the founder of the Romero Center, as well as international poverty.

Seeing firsthand the consequences of our society’s ignorance, these presenters raised awareness in the severity of these issues, while simultaneously exposing the students to the abundance of complications that coexist with poverty.

Effortless habits for the majority of people living in the United States, like obtaining an education and seeking appropriate medical attention, manifest into luxuries for the underprivileged – demanding their constant perseverance for mere survival.

Part of the Urban Challenge program was assisting at a variety of altruistic locations. These sites included homeless shelters, food banks, alcoholic recovery institutions, local schools, hospice centers, and the streets of Camden.

Volunteers spent time feeding, stocking, cleaning, painting, and distributing toiletries and mail, while simultaneously interacting with the faces of thousands of neglected citizens.

Still, while it is truly inconceivable to begin to understand the lifestyle of Camden’s residences in a week’s time, students had the opportunity to see life’s shadows from an alternative perspective. Contrary to the sounds of this didactic program, students made time for their share of fun.

Throughout the week, there were dance parties, concerts, card tournaments, and football games that eased the tension and brought the “break” aspect of spring vacation into play.

In Philadelphia, Salve students explored the unique tastes and shops of South Street. They ran the steps of the Art Museum where “Rocky” climbed to fame and they had a chance to determine first hand whether Pat’s or Geno’s makes a better Philly cheesesteak.

Salve’s students were joined on their expedition with other students who traveled nationwide from Washington, Texas, Hawaii, Idaho, Utah, Virginia, Washington D.C., Vermont, Maine, and the Carolinas.

While each area had different interpretations of the newfound situations, it was ironic to see how everyone shared the same frustrations in comprehending the existence of such conditions. It was agreed in the daily reflections that tears speak no language and laughter needs no explanation.

Life doesn’t always bring what we expect. This enlightening experience was not the typical spring break beach fest, but each individual walked away with a greater sense of understanding, appreciation, and unbreakable friendships.