University students spend night in cardboard shelters to raise homeless awareness

At first glance, the small group of students from Southeast Missouri State University dressed in pajamas and sweats playing games on the Academic Terraces around their cardboard box fortresses may have looked like youngsters at a sleepover.

But as the night wore on and the rest of the student community headed home to their warm and comfortable dorm beds, members from Gamma Sigma Sigma, New Hall Hall Counsel and Sigma Sigma Sigma, wrapped themselves in blankets and crawled into their shelters for the night.

Close to 40 students participated in the 12-hour event, which started Saturday at 7 p.m., but only half stayed the entire night for a glimpse of what it would be like to be homeless.

During the event, which served as a visual for the oftentimes invisible homeless crisis, students and community members were urged to drop off clothing for the Salvation Army, and financial aid for Habitat for Humanity.

Although the donations were largely contributed by those who attended, the group agreed their mission was a success.

'Good to be reminded'

"I think it was still significant because people that drove by or walked by knew what we were doing," said junior Lauren Yoggerst, a Gamma Sigma Sigma member. "I think a lot of people don't know there are homeless people in Cape, so it's good to be reminded."

Spirits were high among the campers all night because the weather was mild and not a drop of rain threatened their cardboard shelters. They said everything went smoothly, except for a few complaints about the bugs and chilly night air.

The students were creative with their homes, some which included a slide, basement, and a full skylight as one daring group left the top of their home uncovered. Their shelters were nicknamed the Hilton, Hotel California and Disney World.

"It is a good success because of the weather, the people and the creativity," said Joanna Shaver, group area hall director and organizer for the event.

cpierce@semissourian.com

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