As the sun set on South Lawn on Oct. 17, tents began to pop up around the grassy area. Soon, people were scattering around on blankets attending Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.’s annual Sleep Out for the Homeless event from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
President of Epsilon Theta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Avery Wells said the event is one of their international fraternity initiatives to support their philanthropy.,
”Each year we come out and we make a pledge to stay outside and sleep out from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next morning,” Wells said.
Wells said they invited people from the community to come speak about the importance of helping those experiencing homelessness. Carlos Bailey, a city commissioner, came to the event this year to speak on the politics of homelessness.
“Our purpose is just to spread awareness about the issue of homelessness, specifically in the Bowling Green community,” Wells said. “We want to get people encouraged to be active advocates for homelessness and get involved in the fight to bring it down.”
Mason Strunk, a member of Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji) was there with some of his fraternity brothers in support of the cause. He said he found the speakers particularly compelling.
“This year they talked about domestic abuse and how much of a problem it is in Bowling Green,” Strunk said. “It’s something that’s really good to come out and support.”
As the night progressed, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. introduced different activities to participate in. One activity was a Kahoot, or trivia game, asking the audience important questions regarding homelessness to raise awareness.
Another activity was mat weaving. Wells said they took plastic bags and weaved them together to make mats for homeless people to sleep on.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. member Christopher Bussell said that they were also accepting donations throughout the night. According to their Instagram, they were searching for “canned goods and hygiene products to donate to local shelters.”
Bussell also said that he had a close connection to the cause.
“I actually experienced homelessness growing up,” Bussell said. “When I learned that this was the annual event that Phi Beta Sigma does, I wanted to just do all I can to support.”
He said his personal history motivated him to take action and give back to the community.
“Being out in the cold for worthy causes is worth it,” Bussell said.