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Students examine homelessness

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Break-dancers and bands helped kick off Hunger & Homelessness awareness week on campus Monday.

The event, which took place in Gordon Commons, was sponsored by the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group, Poverty Action Network and Reach Out to raise awareness about issues of homelessness in the Madison area.

The main purpose of the event was to “get the word out, raise some money and have a little fun,” said Liza Hirsch, a WisPIRG intern.

The event did more than provide a little fun — it also provided information on poverty, homelessness and hunger.

“There is no reason for [poverty],” said Colleen Condon, president of Reach Out. “So many people have so much more than they need.”

Hirsch agreed, suggesting it is “unreasonable” for people to be sleeping on streets.

“The cycle of poverty refuels itself because we neglect the problem of poverty in this country,” said WisPIRG student intern Nicole Porto.

Students at the kickoff identified several major ways for people to get involved, including through education about poverty, volunteering, providing donations and participating in politics.

The responsibility to get involved lies with people who are privileged, Condon said.

One major reason for homelessness that Hirsh pointed out was the lack of affordable housing.

In Madison, an individual working for minimum wage cannot afford housing, Hirsch added.

Students at the event attempted to solicit support for a National Housing Trust Fund Act, which has yet to gain backing from Senator Herb Kohl.

If the bill is passed, federal money will be set aside for state grants to provide affordable housing.

“Homelessness is not a political issue, and that’s a shame. That’s what we are trying to change,” said Joe Lindstrom, UW student and member of Poverty Action Network.

Youssef Sawan, a student and speaker at the event, said people should engage in more radical actions. While working with politicians is important, he stated, placing pressure on the system itself and making the issues more visible is crucial.

“We need to get out there — we need to actually do something,” Sawan said.

Students said education remains a major goal in the fight against poverty. According to many, blame and stereotyping stand in the way of understanding.

“Our country blames poor people; we don’t blame poverty, we blame people,” Lindstrom said.

Lindstrom said people need to break down stereotypes such as thinking that the homeless are all drug addicts or do not have jobs and realize that “people without homes are still people.”

This event kicked off a national hunger and homeless awareness week. Other events this week will include a panel discussion, a “sleep-out” on Library Mall, a banquet and workshops.