Students go 'homeless' to raise funds, awareness

November 18, 2010

Photo by Todd Paris.. Freshman John Scott warms himself by a barrel stove during a week-long vigil by students in the UAF Honors Program to bring awareness to the issue of homelessness.

"We camp out to raise money for a local charity (this year, the Street Outreach & Advocacy Program, which works with homeless and at-risk youth) as well as awareness. We want to do something visible while not putting our lives in danger--two tents and a tea kettle for ten people in the cold of Fairbanks is definitely not "luxurious". The honors council also plans to volunteer long-term, in addition to the yearly event.

"The average homeless Alaskan is nine years old and 'sheltered' (with friends & family, in a motel or homeless shelter)." -Celia Miller, activist