By Michael Moran
WUD Society and Politics Committee
I have never been without a home or owned only the things I could carry, but a countless and growing population is undergoing a life of homelessness. Every trip down reliable State Street reminds me that there are people without a warm, safe place to go. If the weather is bearable, they shake their cups. That's not something we should be alright with. In a city with such a rich background of human rights movements and rallies, I'm surprised to find the problem shaking in our face to be overlooked?
There are several student organizations that put a cause to action and strive to alleviate the hardships of homelessness. WISPIRG has sponsored Hunger and Homelessness Awareness weeks, as well as various Hunger Clean-ups. Street Pulse prints monthly copies of the Street Pulse paper. The paper is then sold to Street Pulse vendors at 25 cents per paper, who are either homeless or marginalized. The vendors in turn distribute the paper for a suggested dollar donation. This provides a work setting to those who would typically be denied any work. Street Pulse is also sponsoring a Box City in Library Mall on April 4th to raise homeless awareness.
Don't let the progress end with these two groups. Certainly join them if you're interested, but there's still more everyone can do to help the homeless. Start a clothing drive in your dorm, apartment, fraternity or sorority and donate to shelters in the Madison area. The shelters are becoming overwhelmed, especially with the economy scare, and need more help than ever. The River, a major shelter in the area, can no longer keep up with the demands for the food and clothing they supply and have begun halving the amount of support they can provide to each person. Find a shelter and support with whatever you can spare.
If you're feeling really ambitious, we have our lovely capitol within walking distance to lobby bills and hold rallies. UW-Madison and student organizations offer great resources for activism. All it takes is a little initiative and innovation and the support will come. Most importantly, don't allow the atrocities of homelessness to pass without a fight. We are Madison, hear us roar.
Michael Moran is a member of the WUD Society and Politics Committee. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
