Every year there are various causes that have International Day, whether it is AIDS (December 1st) or World Cancer Day (February 4th), all of these days try to garner international support by making people aware of the issues and how to act on them. World Homeless Action Day is no exception. Wherever your location is, the first steps are the following, educate yourself about who the homeless are, give them respect as individuals, respond with kindness, and many others.
Although today is the International Day dedicated to raising awareness for Homelessness, there are several ways that you can be involved throughout the year at Penn State. You can volunteer at the State College Area Food Bank, Housing Transitions, the Burrowes Street Youth haven, as well as other places. Penn State even offers a course, SOC 428H – Homelessness in America, to educate students interested in topic further.
One experience, that I participated in and believe is life changing, is the Urban Service Experience (USE). USE is a five-day, four-night immersive and experiential opportunity. Two trips will be available, on to Philadelphia and another to Washington, D.C. These service-learning trips are designed for students to learn about themselves, others, and the community around them through service experiences in an urban environment. Through group discussion and reflection sessions, students will explore various social justice issues that will arise during their service experiences. The fee is $65 dollars which includes lodging, transportation, food, and a t-shirt! Applications can be picked up and are due in 209 HUB by 5pm on Friday, October 19th. Any questions? Please contact Meg Penza at mcp5086@psu.edu
Another event ongoing up until Thanksgiving, sponsored by Students Engaging Students and the Student Activities office, is the Thanksgiving Basket Drive. The collected baskets will be distributed around the Centre County region to beneficiaries of the AIDS Project. More information on what items are to be included in the baskets can be found on this Google Document.
The last item of concern is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is approaching soon, set to take place November 14th thru the 18th. There are a number of events planned, including an Empty Bowl auction to benefit local agencies, a Faces of Homelessness panel, a HUB interactive exhibit, an open mic, and a poverty simulation. These are sure to be meaningful and thought-provoking events. More information on these events can be located at the PSU National Hunger and Homelessness Facebook page as more details unfold.
Some events may be correlated with the holidays, but I challenge you to stay involved with helping the homeless throughout the year. Which event are you most looking forward to? Leave a comment below.