In April, ten La Salle students will have the opportunity to go on a two day immersion trip to interact with the homeless people of Portland. This is the first year that La Salle is offering this immersion experience, which is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors.

The program that is teaming up with La Salle is called JOIN. This is a local organization that helps homeless individuals and families get off the streets and into permanent housing. JOIN was first founded in 1992 and since then has dedicated its time and efforts to help people get back on their feet.

In 2015, JOIN successfully helped more than 800 people off the streets and into permanent housing. JOIN supports anyone and everyone. Their services are not dependent on age, gender, ethnicity, or sexual identity.

Students on this immersion will be going to JOIN’s main location in Portland to be educated on poverty, social justice, and the reality of being homeless by talking to those on the streets.

La Salle students will be accompanied with two moderators and will be gone April 6-8. Mr. Barba says that the purpose of offering this new immersion is “to create opportunities that are more affordable and local and present opportunities to a wider audience of students.”

One of JOIN’s overall goals is to help end homelessness in Portland, which has been a longstanding issue in the city.

Mr. Barba shared his view on the importance of this work: “Jesus gave the two greatest commandments: love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself,” he said. “I want students to have the experience to be with our human brothers and sisters who are experiencing homelessness so that their hearts might be transformed.”

JOIN hopes that these immersions will help students confront homeless stereotypes and fears.

La Salle continues to broaden opportunities for students and encourages participation in these immersions to not only strengthen peer relationships, but also create awareness throughout the community on social justice issues.

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