Homelessness is hard to comprehend for those who can’t see it, according to members of St. Patrick Parish in Pelham. They want to make it a bit more understandable in their community with a demonstration to raise money for local shelters.

Beginning at 2 p.m. on June 14, and continuing through noon the following day, parishioners will camp out in the second annual shantytown benefit for local shelters, said Cheryl Brunelle.

“It was only 24 hours, but it really brought to the forefront the idea of being homeless,” Brunelle said. “We get a chance to go home and take a shower to get back to normal, but this is normal for so many other people.”

Brunelle said the idea came about last year as a lesson to the parish’s confirmation class.

“Our confirmation director last year felt it was important that the kids get involved in a project that would help them understand the plight of homeless people,” Brunelle said.

Following through on the lesson’s intent, the demonstration spun off into a fundraiser, which raised $10,000 for seven local agencies in Nashua, Hudson, Pelham and Lowell, Mass.

Creating a shantytown-style camp of improvised shelters, participants will take a closer look at how the homeless live with cardboard shelters and a small shared meal.

During the course of the evening, representatives of each charity group will make presentations about how they help people in need.

The group is also banned from using items such as cell phones and electronics, she said.

Those interested in participating in the event, sponsoring someone or making a general donation can call the parish office at 635-3525 or e-mail Brunelle at cdbrunelle@comcast.net.