Habitats
for Humanity
To
the Editors:
Worldwide,
one person dies from hunger every 40 seconds. (National Student
Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness) Approximately 36-45 percent
of individuals who experience homelessness are employed. (Urban
Institute) Although students at Oberlin might not experience hunger
and homelessness firsthand, we are not immune to it. Ohio PIRG’s
Hunger and Homelessness (H&H) campaign is working with the Oberlin
community to raise awareness about hunger and homelessness and to
encourage volunteer outreach to those members of our community who
are in need.
Last week, members of OPIRG’s H&H campaign volunteered
at Oberlin Hot Meals. Currently, there are OPIRG-organized canned
food and clothing drives going on in all of the residence halls.
Collection boxes will remain in the halls throughout the semester.
All donations received will be given to a local homeless shelter.
On Sunday, Oct. 13, H&H is sponsoring a benefit concert at the
Cat in the Cream. The concert, entitled “The Cat in the Creamed
Corn,” will feature Ben Newhouse on guitar. You must bring
one canned-good item or a clothing donation to be admitted. All
donations will be given to Oberlin Community Services. You can make
a difference and have fun simultaneously!
The Hunger and Homelessness Campaign is also organizing a Hunger
and Homelessness Awareness Week for Nov. 18-22. The week will be
full of events, including a Hunger Banquet, Hunger Fast, Service
Day, and a panel of speakers who will address issues of hunger and
homelessness. The Hunger Banquet will offer a demonstration of socio-economic
divides worldwide, as well as educate participants. The Hunger Fast
is an opportunity for students to donate money to a local organization
by giving up a meal from their CDS dining plan. Look for information
about these and other exciting Hunger and Homelessness Awareness
Week events after Fall Break. OPIRG’s Hunger and Homelessness
campaign is making a difference this semester.
–Susan
Albright
College sophomore
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