Annual Sigma Sleep-Out raises $380, clothing, food for homeless

The 14th annual Sleep-out for the Homeless, to raise awareness of homelessness in Forsyth County, took place on the Winston-Salem State campus Nov. 19.

Sigmas across the nation have been sponsoring a sleep- out for 20 years.

Sponsored by the Delta Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., the event involved the members setting up tents and cardboard boxes on yard near the Greek plots, and providing food for the volunteers.

About 70 people participated throughout the night including fraternity members, alumni members and other WSSU students as well as other campus organizations.

Throughout the evening, the fraternity collected canned foods, dry goods, clothing for adults and children, school supplies and money from students, faculty and staff.

The fraternity raised $380 for Project HOPE. About 617 pounds of food was donated to Second Harvest Food Bank; 31 boxes of clothing and shoes were donated to Samaritan Ministries.

In March 2010, the Winston-Salem Journal reported more than 547 people, including children, are homeless in Forsyth County.

Calvin Holloway, employee relations manager for the University and the fraternity's adviser said much of the organization's community service projects are unseen.

"This [sleep-out for the homeless] may be the only thing people see but the organization has participated in other community service projects," Holloway said.

Student participants earned volunteer hours.

"It helps me to be grateful, and we are bringing awareness to an issue that everyone should try to help solve," said Delante Hatchett, a senior political science major from Roxboro. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma.

"This event brings me back to reality," said Michael Woods, a sophomore management information systems major from Fayetteville. Woods is the chapter's vice president.  

"I want to experience how these people live, and at the end I'm very fortunate," Woods said.

"I hope all students leave with a better feel of those who are less fortunate and take better advantage of their opportunities at the University and become better citizens," Holloway said.