While many people frivolously spend chump change on Starbuck’s coffee and junk food, others spend their time simply trying to find a hot meal. And many aren’t even adults.
“Kids are facing homelessness on a daily basis,” said Jana Smith, project manager at the Tempe Youth Resource Center.
ASU’s Sigma Nu fraternity organized a weeklong service project this week to raise funds for the center and lend a helping hand.
The center, located near 7th Street and Mill Avenue, provides basic services such as food, clothing and showers for youth from 12 to 25 years old. It also provides case management services and the means to obtain an ID, GED and job uniforms.
If certain necessities cannot be obtained through the center, workers at the center can help people find out how to get them, Smith said.
The youth must be homeless in order to receive the services offered at the resource center.
Homelessness, as broad as it is, can range from couch surfing to literally being on the streets, Smith said.
“You can make an impact in your community … We’re so appreciative Sigma Nu came out and helped,” she added.
Throughout the week Sigma Nu members have helped the Resource Center by cleaning rooms, performing yard work and coordinating activities with the children.
“The hours we put in don’t compare to the help we’re providing,” said digital culture sophomore Zachary Snader, Sigma Nu’s community service and fundraiser coordinator for the weeklong community service project.
This is the first year Sigma Nu has worked with the Tempe Youth Resource Center. Though Sigma Nu is only required to complete four hours of community service per semester, more than half of the 80 active members have showed up throughout the week dedicating well over four hours of their time.
“Most people do it in between classes,” Zachary said.
The members have also been hosting fundraisers for the center since last weekend.
More than $100 was raised at a Panda Express fundraiser on Monday.
Buffalo Wild Wings agreed to donate 10 percent of the proceeds throughout the week if a customer says “I’m here for the Sigma Nu fundraiser,” Snader said.
The members of Sigma Nu also participated at Pat’s Run on Saturday.
“I got a feel for how it is to be in their shoes,” said Sigma Nu President John Paul Scott of the youth at the center.
Contacting groups and organizations on campus is a good way for students and community members to become involved with similar service projects, he said.
“It takes motivation … You got to go out there and do it,” Scott said.
Reach the reporter at cstarboa@asu.edu
