Former NFL player Todd Williams visits local 'homeless box retreat'

Youth at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Community recently learned first-hand what it is like to be homeless.

As part of a "Homeless Box Retreat" last month, the youths put together their boxes for the evening and were allowed to bring only three items and a sleeping bag. Each piece of food, water or trip to the restroom cost them a nickel. 

Todd Williams, a motivational speaker and former NFL player, also came out to share with students his experience being homeless when he was 13 years old and to encourage students to make good choices.

"I now understand the pain, struggles and discomfort that the homeless go through every day, and I feel that we are really blessed," said Lucas Mingote, a seventh-grade student at Braden River Middle School.

The overnight retreat ended with a 6 a.m., wake up call and the opportunity to workshop at an 8 a.m., mass.