ÈâÈ⴫ý State sets Homelessness Awareness Week for Nov. 2-7

KENNESAW, Ga. | Oct 28, 2020

ÈâÈ⴫ý’s Campus Awareness, Resource and Empowerment (CARE) Services, is raising awareness of homelessness and food insecurity through the 13th annual Homelessness Awareness Week (HAW), Nov. 2-7.

While this year’s events will function differently than in past years, each works to promote unity among KSU students and eliminate the stigma associated with homelessness and food insecurity. The events include:

Hoot Out Hunger Virtual Food Drive

Ends Saturday, Oct. 31

Participants in this year’s virtual food drive may purchase a box of food or individual items ranging from $5 to $60 at . Proceeds will benefit KSU’s CARE Services.

Virtual Homelessness Awareness Walk and Backpack Challenge

Monday, Nov. 2

In an effort to raise awareness to the challenges facing the homeless community, participants are encouraged to listen to the on YouTube and complete the backpack challenge by filling a backpack with necessities and walking for 30 minutes to better understand what it feels like to  carry everything they own on their backs.

Hybrid SPARK Prize Competition with United Way

Wednesday, Nov. 4, KSU Center, 10:30 a.m.

United Way of Greater Atlanta is partnering with KSU, Cobb County Foundation and Cobb Collective to award grants to fund innovative ideas that address youth homelessness and child well-being in Cobb County. Five KSU student groups will partner with local nonprofits to present their ideas to a panel of judges, and the winning presentation will receive a grant to carry out their idea. Presentations will be in person but broadcasted live on Facebook. For more information, click here.

Empty Bowls Project

Thursday, Nov. 5, Zoom link will be emailed with ticket confirmation

The Empty Bowls Project is part of an effort to raise both money and awareness to fight hunger. Participants select handmade bowls crafted by KSU students, alumni and local community members. Each bowl will come with a ready-to-make soup packet made from fresh ingredients prepared by KSU Dining. Participants learn more about the bowls and how to assemble the meal at home via an online session to meet the artists, chef and CARE director. To purchase tickets and for more information, click here.

Cobb County Homeless Vigil

Friday, Nov. 6, Marietta Campus, Engineering Technology Center, 7 p.m.

The annual vigil honors the lives of those who passed away while experiencing homelessness in Cobb County. Some community members will be invited to attend the event in person, while others will attend a virtual Zoom meeting. For more information, click here.

Sleep Out Challenge

Friday, Nov. 6, Marietta Campus, 8 p.m. through Saturday, Nov. 7 at 9 a.m.

This event allows students to empathize with homeless individuals who couch surf or sleep in cars and tents. Participants in this challenge can sleep in their cars at the Marietta campus.

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, ÈâÈ⴫ý offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. ÈâÈ⴫ý State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. ÈâÈ⴫ý State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.