SCHENECTADY — T.S. Eliot said April is the cruelest month.
But the Bridge Christian Church believes it’s more like February, which is when they pick a night once a year to sleep outside in cardboard boxes.
The annual event is designed not only to raise awareness for homelessness, but also to gain an understanding of the vulnerabilities of disadvantaged populations from a visceral level.
“We want to experience what the homeless are feeling,” said Pastor James Bookhout.
Parishioners gathered in an empty storefront on Crane Street on Friday night as temperatures hovered at 27 degrees — and falling.
People milled about inside, noshing on food as others got their nails painted and hair braided by community members donating their time.
Outside, a row of refrigerator-sized boxes lined the sidewalk.
Bookhout recalled people staggering down Crane Street after dark like “zombies” because they don’t have a choice.
That lack of shelter intensifies when the mercury plummets.
“I’ve seen people huddled together on benches,” he said. “Some with children.”
While he believes the city and county do a good job coordinating resources, an increased spotlight is important.
This year marked the seventh year Bridge Christian Church has facilitated the event.
Bookhout, clad in multiple layers of flannel to insulate against the chill, said he can’t recall anything particularly terrifying happening.
And the only time he was ever bothered was when a group of kids started banging on his box.
But a sense of unpredictably pulsates below the surface.
“When I’m sleeping out there, you don’t know what’s going to happen,” he said. “There are fears that go through you.”
Francis Avenue resident Pam Flora said she wasn’t nervous as she prepared to participate to spend the night outdoors for the first time with a friend.
“I never thought I’d be a part of something so dramatic,” Flora said.
Those seeking to help can make financial donations to the Bridge Christian Church’s account at the Regional Food Bank at 965 Albany Shaker Rd, Latham, NY 12110.