Six hundred thousand men, women and children go homeless every single night in the United States.
On average, it would take 30 percent of an 87 hour workweek paycheck, earning minimum wage, to pay the rent on a two-bedroom apartment.
Can you imagine working in McDonald’s for 87 hours a week to just barely cover the rent on an apartment? Or what about sleeping outside on a grate each night because there is no room for you at a homeless shelter?
This week at Fairfield University, the Campus Ministry Council is sponsoring events to help fight hunger and homelessness on campus, as well as raise campus awareness.
With events ranging from a “cardboard city” sleep out, to a hunger banquet, the events, which started on Nov. 18 and ends on Nov. 24 are designed to raise awareness and money on Fairfield’s campus.
On Friday, Nov. 22, the improv groups On the Spot and In the Spit will combine forces to further spread awareness about hunger and homelessness. In a skit-based show, the 30 member troupes will address the issue of homelessness in serious pieces.
Those planning to attend are asked to bring a pair of socks along with the two dollar admission fee to help Operation Hope, a homeless shelter in Fairfield off of Post Road.
“The joint effort with the Campus Ministry Council is to help Operation Hope,” said Dave Gorman, ’03, member of On the Spot. “We want people to come for a good time and hopefully they’ll learn something, too.”
One of the main events on campus was Wednesday’s Cardboard City sleep out. Beginning at noon in front of the Barone Campus Center, students were encouraged to stop by and find out facts about homelessness. Students witnessed a cardboard construction of what was to represent a city where about 20 students slept.
Sara Brady, ’03, co-president of the Campus Ministry Council, said that the location in front of the Barone Campus Center was chosen so that many people would see it this year, as opposed to last year’s quad location.
“We set it up in front of Barone in order to make an impact on the broader university community,” said Brady.
According to Kate Rickard, ’03, co-president of the Campus Ministry Council, there has been a willingness on campus to participate in these events.
“It is so easy for students to forget about the problems in the world when they’re on campus,” said Rickard. “Hunger and homelessness are real problems that affect people not just all over the world, but even here in Fairfield. Hopefully this week can make a difference.”
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