HIGH POINT, N.C., Feb. 9, 2012 – Several High Point University students braved cold and rainy winter conditions to raise awareness of the homeless population in the community, as part of the “Homeless in High Point” event hosted by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The organized effort allowed HPU students to sleep outside and truly experience the harsh conditions of homelessness.
“We wanted to put ourselves in the shoes of those without homes,” says Jasmine Williams, member of Delta Sigma Theta. “We wanted to raise awareness, as homelessness can happen to anyone. … It’s easy to look at feel sorry for the homeless, but sleeping outside for one night puts things into perspective. Although we were still inside the safe walls of HPU, we hope that this event struck a nerve with HPU students and made them want to continue to help.”
Delta Sigma Theta member Kiera Hereford says being able to host such an event provided her with a wider insight into the lives of homeless individuals in the local community who suffer unfortunate circumstances that result in homelessness.
“Until you actually experience what being homeless is like, I don’t think you’ll truly understand how much you take for granted on a daily basis,” Hereford says. “We need to appreciate the things that we have and give back to those in need.”
Although this event was first homelessness awareness event hosted by Delta Sigma Theta, the sorority plans to host more in the future.
“I’m very proud of the HPU community for willingly donating their time and support in honor of our initiative; it was truly a very uplifting and positive week of service,” says Hereford.
In addition to the night spent outside, the sorority hosted a Zumba night, where they collected monetary donations, as well as clothing, blankets and more for West End Ministries.
West End Ministries is a local nonprofit organization that operates a homeless shelter for women, a community center and a thrift store.
All of the members of the sorority agree that having the support and love from students and the staff at HPU, as well as the surrounding community truly made the event unbelievable and unforgettable; the event truly humbled the group.
At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people.℠ HPU, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with over 4,200 undergraduate and graduate students at campuses in High Point and Winston-Salem. It is ranked by US News and World Report at No. 3 among Regional Colleges in the South. Parade Magazine lists HPU in the top 25 private schools in the nation. HPU was selected in the 2010-2011 list of “Colleges of Distinction,” as well as one of the top green schools in the country by the Sierra Club. The university offers 44 undergraduate majors, 40 undergraduate minors and 10 graduate degree programs. It is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference. Visit High Point University on the Web at highpoint.edu.
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Pam Haynes
Communication Specialist
336-841-9055
[email protected]