Homelessness Awareness Project

On January 26, 2007, The Heartland Continuum of Care and the Mayor’s Taskforce on Homelessness conducted a homeless street count to determine the number of homeless individuals in Springfield.  The survey revealed 303 homeless individuals.  As large as this number is, it is probably a low estimate considering the count was done in January, because often individuals will find some friend, relative or shelter to stay at during the cold season.  This statistic is alarming and the Service-Learning Program wanted to do something to raise awareness about homelessness in Springfield.  It is amazing that a street count is being done and that Springfield is taking steps to reduce homelessness, but more citizens need to know about it.  So, to raise awareness, the Service-Learning Program, the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center, and students cut 303 houses out of poster board and hung on them windows in the cafeteria.  This project has been done for the past two years. During the time the houses are up no student can go to the cafeteria to eat without recognizing that there are so many in Springfield who do not have the simply luxuries of food and shelter.