ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Tonight, students from the University of Michigan, Concordia University and Eastern Michigan University will spend the night sleeping outside to raise awareness of the Washtenaw County homeless population.
U-M students will stay outdoors from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the Diag while EMU and Concordia students will gather in the lawn by the EMU Towers dormitories.
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Along with raising awareness through their night outside, students will also participate in speaker talks, activities and discussion about homelessness and home-insecurity in Washtenaw County.
Presentations at the “Campus Sleep-out” demonstrations will be given by individuals from various community organizations as well as by those who have previously experienced homelessness.
Student groups, like Michigan Movement, the EMU student government and MReach, will participate in the event.
In addition to the talks, there will also be a candlelight vigil and food scarcity demonstrations.
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Supported by the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, the Washtenaw County Office of Community & Economic Development and other community partners, the “Campus Sleep-out” is one event in a series of activities during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
Between Nov. 16 and Nov. 24, the week is designated to raise awareness of poverty and homelessness, and act as a call to action for Washtenaw County residents to aid fellow community members.
Residents are encouraged to donate their time and contribute shelter wishlist items such as durable and weatherproof gloves, hand warmers or bus tokens.
Other activities scheduled for the week include a Health and Wellness Fair from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday as well as a “Day of Care” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
The fair will offer services and resources from community organizations such as Food Gatherers, Thrive Counseling and the Washtenaw County Health Department.
Both events will be hosted by the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County at the Robert J. Delonis Center at 312 W. Huron St.