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Printer-Friendly ModeHomeless realization hits home
October 26, 2009 —
As winter approaches, many might shudder at the thought of being homeless.
But Thursday night, three teams of Cardinals tried to recreate the experience firsthand.
The students, members in the campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity, built three houses from cardboard in the middle of the campus courtyard amid the freezing cold.
The team designed the event to create awareness of the conditions facing people without homes. The chapter is part of the international organization dedicated to providing affordable housing.
For the build, they brought canned food donations and announced homelessness statistics to help spread their message.
By the night’s end, the structures were spread across the grass, and a trophy was granted to the one deemed stablest and most creative.
Mike Mertz, a business management junior, serves as the Habitat treasurer. “We want to have community involvement in this event to not only simulate conditions of those living in poverty, but to reinforce teamwork,” he said.
The group formed last winter after 10 students went on a trip to build houses. They aim to increase awareness and get more students involved.
The members are currently working on wall and driveway repairs in Saginaw County and have plans to take more home-building trips. Their fundraisers will occur throughout the school year.
Many workers said it was a great experience and wanted to encourage more to take part.
“We would like to get more people involved,” said Allegra Bice, social work junior and Habitat secretary.
The group meets Wednesdays at 10 p.m. in the Unity Room.