Awaking to a sloppy snow may have been a rough reality for many ISU students Wednesday, but while some were discouraged by the less-than-charming outdoor conditions, one student was struggling against the sleet and the slush all night long in an attempt to inform and educate students about homelessness in our society.

“I’m always interested in viewing things from a new perspective. Being homeless for a night sounded like a challenge and a good learning experience,” said Nathaniel Iannone, senior in chemical engineering.

The St. Thomas Aquinas Church Catholic Student Center, 2210 Lincoln Way, organized a display of cardboard boxes on the lawn south of the Campanile on Wednesday.

“Homelessness is a family portrait,” said Christine Clarahan, senior in dietetics.

Clarahan was involved in the organization of the demonstration and led the prayer and reflective discussion at 9 p.m. Tuesday under the Campanile.

Clarahan, who volunteers for the Emergency Residence Project, 225 S. Kellogg Ave., said homelessness in Ames is a much bigger problem than most people perceive it to be.

“Ames is a little bit more expensive, which causes a homeless problem. People don’t think it happens in Ames, but I have experienced it firsthand,” said Clarahan, who volunteers at Emergency Residence Project by cooking and serving dinner on Friday nights.

The display, which has run annually for nearly a decade, prompted those passing by to sign postcards to Iowa Congressman Tom Latham in an effort to push legislation for decent and affordable housing opportunities.

“There is legislation to alleviate the problem,” Clarahan said.

Approximately 10 people attended the prayer and discussion. Although the turnout was small, it was respectable given the blowing rain and chilly temperature.

“Why is it that this nation can put people in space, but not find space for people to sleep?” said John Donaghy, campus minister at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and lecturer of philosophy and religious studies.

Iannone spoke of the vicious cycle of homelessness.

“You become homeless, and it’s difficult to find a job. It is a catch-22. Once you become homeless, it’s difficult to not be homeless anymore,” Iannone said.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to do this and the challenges I face to help me grow stronger, but if I get picked up by the ISU PD, I am going to be so mad.”

A closing prayer and hearty laughter concluded the service and marked the start to a long night for Iannone.

“I woke up extremely early and couldn’t get back to sleep because of the harsh wind,” Iannone said.

“I ended up having to find a new place to crash until sunrise. During that time, the walking around and cold sleet rain shower really woke me up. I had a good combination of flannels and rain gear that kept me semiwarm. The Daily was worth it’s weight in gold – I used it as my pillow, my sheets and my entertainment.”