| Awareness of hunger and homelessness
returns to the Appalachian State University campus this
week.
The annual Hunger and Homelessness week is held to educate
the community on current issues concerning poverty.
“If we get people thinking about issues it creates
a stronger community because before action you must have
understanding,” junior Karen DeLisle, Hunger and
Homelessness week coordinator said.
The week incorporates a variety of events and programs
to get the campus involved.
“Some of the events are group discussions and others
are a way to experience and interact with others,”
DeLisle said.
Monday night, a panel discussion called the Faces of Poverty
was held. Representatives from the Hospitality House and
Shelter Rock gave insight into the life of a formerly
homeless person as well as one who is currently living
in poverty.
“With the insight [the speakers] can provide, it
is really powerful,” sophomore Adam Shull said.
A Hunger Banquet will be held Wednesday in Plemmons Student
Union Blue Ridge Ballroom at 7 p.m.
“It is an interactive perspective taking dinner
that deals with issues of hunger on a global level,”
DeLisle said. The event, co-sponsored by the Student Government
Association (SGA), is $5 or $4 with a canned good. All
proceeds go to the Hunger Coalition. DeLisle said all
interested in the dinner to come hungry. Contact Callie
Hargett in the SGA office at 262-6257 with questions.
DeLisle said one of the most popular events of the week
is a Sleep-out, which will be held on Thursday on Sanford
Mall.
“It is a way to challenge people to experience a
night in the life of the homeless,” Shull said.
Sleeping bags, tents and cardboard boxes will be set up
all over the mall.
“Bring warm clothes and a sleeping bag and increase
your perspective on homelessness,” Shull said.
Other events include:
- A canned food sculpture contest Friday from noon to
2 p.m.
- A free drip coffee Friday for donations of at least
$1 in cash during the week.
- Penny wars among residence halls in the University
Post Office.
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