Over 40 people slept outside as part of the Syracuse Homeless Challenge in an effort to raise awareness of hunger and homelessness in Central New York.
It’s that time of year to reflect on all things to be thankful for, and for 40 Syracuse residents that reflecting took place under multiple layers with chattering teeth and violent shivers. Community members spent Friday night in the subzero temperatures Syracuse is all too famous for, and as the biting cold managed to sting through the most durable winter gear, residents were able to catch a small glimpse of what it’s like to be homeless in Syracuse.
Hackers from Syracuse to Rochester and Ithaca gathered together to create apps and web services aimed at helping those experiencing homelessness.
Tony Kershaw remembers being homeless twice in his life. The 2005 alumnus of the College of Engineering recalls when he was 10, he had to go to his aunt’s house to take hot showers. He was homeless again while still an undergrad.
The advocacy organization used an interactive workshop to inform students about the pervasiveness of hunger, especially in the Syracuse area.
If asked, most people would not be able to identify where Syracuse University's NYPIRG office is. But students involved with the New York Public Interest Research Group have been championing community awareness on a variety of topics and have brought attention to a major issue in the city's neighborhoods.
An increasing number of students facing food insecurity receive support from a collection of goods right on campus.
Kenny knows the maximum amount of snack wraps he can buy at the Schine Dining Center without going over his budget. If he buys two wraps, he will fill his stomach and will only have to pay three dollars. Kenny, who asked that his full name not be used for privacy reasons, adds that because he “knows the wrap lady,” she will pack his wrap full with food.