On Tuesday there will be a sleep-out on campus to raise awareness about homelessness. Students will be doing this partially on behalf of the many children who come to our shelter in Ames.

These children need a voice to help them articulate how their families are suddenly in disarray because they don’t have a stable place to call home.

Through this event, students will also help shed light on the plight of the many working adults who try to fight off eviction regularly because meager incomes force a monthly struggle to meet basic needs.

Working at the shelter has often been a humbling experience. It has changed my attitude toward homelessness by showing me daily that poverty has wounded people of all ages and backgrounds.

I am glad there was a concerned student in 1995 who wrote an article about homelessness in Ames. It made me aware of the problem and was the beginning of my attitude adjustment.

The story played an integral role in leading me to my job. I am thankful that there are still students willing to raise awareness for the less fortunate through events such as this sleep-out.

Troy Jansen

Assistant Director

Emergency Residence Project