WSSU fraternity raising awareness of homelessness with 21st annual sleep-out

Winston-Salem State University’s (WSSU) Delta Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. is helping to shed light on the growing issue of homelessness in the community through the 21st annual Homeless Awareness Week, Nov. 13-17.

A climax of the week is Sleep-Out for the Homeless, from 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, to 6 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. Students will brave the elements to raise awareness of homelessness by spending the night outside near the clock tower. Donations will be collected throughout the event.

“We are very excited for this year’s week of events,” said Lamont Allen, a senior business administration major and president of the fraternity. “During our events, we will be collecting charitable donations such as nonperishable food items, blankets, clothing and new socks, monetary donations and school supplies.

Last year, Delta Alpha collected $1,000 for the Samaritan Ministries, six boxes of school supplies for Project HOPE, six boxes of clothing and blankets for the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission, and over 500 pounds of non-perishable food items for the Second Harvest Food Bank. 

“Our goal this year is to raise $1,500 in monetary donations and 1,000 pounds of non-perishable food items,” Allen said. 

Donations can be made to www.gofundme.com/homeless-awareness-week.  Donations will also be accepted during events, and collection boxes can be found throughout campus.

Here’s a list of events for the week:

Do I look Homeless?: A panel discussion, in collaboration with Kappa Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity and the Bethesda Center for the Homeless, about the issue of homelessness in the community from 7:14 – 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 13, in Thompson Center, Room 207C. Representatives for the Bethesda Center will serve on the panel.

Candlelight Vigil: There will be prayer and silence for the cause from 7:14-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, WSSU Clock tower.

Basketball Tournament: Students are invited out to enjoy a Team vs. Team Basketball Tournament for homelessness awareness from 7:14 – 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15 in the Donald J. Reaves Student Activities Center Gymnasium.

Living Well Module: A panel discussion on the need for a balanced lifestyle will take place from 7:14 – 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16. Topics such as eating well, mental health, and much more will be discussed.

Sleep-out for the Homeless: Participants will spend the night outside, and brave the elements to raise awareness and shed light on the growing issue of homelessness from 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 until 6 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at the WSSU clock tower. Community service hours will be provided.