By Maria Moncur

A USU student checks out the homeless experience. / Photo by Maria Moncur

April sunshine caught the edge of Anganel Farris' sleeping bag as she prepared to spend a full 24 hours "homeless" on USU campus.

STEP (Students Together Ending Poverty) joined by the Alternative Break program, organized a campus-wide day of "homelessness" for USU students.

Participants met at 4 p.m., Friday. An evening dinner, breakfast, and lunch were provided. Meals were donated by various merchants within the community. Students then spent time playing cards, talking, or doing homework before sleeping out on the patio and Quad.

"Upwards of 50 people rotated through and at least 25 people slept out," said Alternative Break Program Director,Sheila Langford.

All USU students were encouraged to donate to homeless shelters in Cache Valley. Boxes of bedding, clothing, and food items were gathered and sorted for delivery.

"We've had a lot of people donate a lot of really nice stuff," said Langford.

Langford said the purpose of the event was to create awareness for students about homelessness and to generate donations. Langford said this is the first year USU has done such an event, but other junior colleges and universities do similar projects. Students are provided hands-on experience in being homeless.

"You have to experience at least 24 hours to feel what it's like," Langford said.

Most students said they enjoyed the activity. However, Faris said, "Homelessness is boring. You have no homework and no job."

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