Southeast Habitat for Humanity chapter plans 'box city' event

Dozens of Southeast Missouri State University students will get a glimpse of what it's like to be homeless, if just for a night.

On Saturday, beginning at 7 p.m., the campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity will erect a "box city" at Parker Field, with an anticipated 75 Southeast students spending the night in cardboard boxes.

Jennifer Robbins, Southeast sophomore and treasurer of Habitat's student chapter, said the 12-hour experience is designed to give students a taste of what it's like to be homeless -- even, she admits, if it's a small taste.

"I live in the dorms, and I guess you could say it's all given to me. I don't have to work for my living," said Robbins, 19. "I would have no idea what it's like to not have a house."

Participants will receive a supper of sandwiches and water.

"We're pretending it's like if you went to a soup kitchen," Robbins said.

It won't be all deprivation and hardship. Organizers have planned a variety of activities, such as volleyball and Frisbee, and representatives from several student organizations have been invited to speak.

Saturday's scheduled event follows on the heels of Monday's United Nations' World Habitat Day. Habitat for Humanity International has expanded the awareness campaign into weeklong events.

Meanwhile, Habitat for Humanity's Southeast chapter is experiencing a growth spurt in its second year. Robbins said 124 people have signed up to be involved in the organization. The group has assisted in building one home in Cape Girardeau, and is set to begin another project in the coming weeks.

For more information on the "box city" experience, contact Robbins at 636-575-5857.

mkittle@semissourian.com

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