This is one of the first weeks this fall semester where more students are gradually coming into classes with hot drinks and pink faces from the cold. Meeting the warmth of class buildings can be taken for granted. However, on Thursday night, students who are aware that homelessness is an issue in New Hampshire decided to take a stand.
That night, with temperatures predicted to feel like 15 degrees, "A Night Without a Home" planned by Oxfam UNH and according to media relations, sponsored by the University Dialogue and the Office of Community Service and Learning, planned to go on. Before students camped out on Smith Hall lawn, a panel discussion was held in the MUB with a few individuals who had experienced homelessness.
The organization was looking for another event to plan beside their well-known Hunger Banquet, according to co-chair of Oxfam UNH Katie Brym, and National Homeless Youth Awareness Month stood out.
"We chose to represent the weak," said Brym.
It was not until last year that Congress made November National Youth Awareness Month and Brym said that similar demonstrations to "A Night Without a Home" are being held all over the country.
The month was advocated and lobbied by Virgin Mobile in 2007. There were 5,450 homeless youth in New Hampshire, according to the company's 2006 statistics, and as the growing housing crisis widens, statistics for today's situation of homeless youth are still being accounted for.
Brym went on to explain that homelessness doesn't necessarily mean that people are sleeping outside but rather living under the national poverty line. Whether it's sleeping on couches or living in overcrowded housing conditions, the goal of the night was to bring awareness to the vulnerable population.
With ambitions to stay the entire night, the organization expected a couple of a cappella groups to stop by, showing the community tone to the demonstration. Students camping out were encouraged to bring their own houses, cardboard boxes, which would not only add to an authentic feeling but also make for an enhanced demonstration.
A discussion with those who could stick out the chilly conditions was planned to take place. Overall, Brym said the night was about awareness and trying to stay warm.
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