Shack-a-thon

Approximately 30 students and employees participate in Shack-a-Thon each fall. The purpose of Shack-a-Thon is to raise awareness for the homeless and poverty stricken.  The goal is to educate the community about the problem of homelessness and to encourage them to take action. We also aim to raise awareness of the need to help low-income families find safe, affordable housing. Participants build makeshift shacks on the front lawn and live in them for 48 hours and attempt to simulate poverty housing. During this time, food is limited, port-a-potties are used, and all electrical devices are forbidden. All money raised during Shack-a-Thon is used to fund various service events throughout the year. In 2008-2009, these events included the adoption of a family for Christmas, various events at the Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS), and a community tutoring program.