Students should support homeless population, donate to food banks
Just because you can’t see it does not mean it’s not there.
This is the case for Moscow’s homeless and impoverished population. Unlike in larger cities, the homeless in Moscow don’t stand on street corners. They are out of view from the general public and many residents forget there are any at all.
This doesn’t change the fact that 27.9 percent of Moscow residents fell below the poverty level between 2009 and 2013, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
There is a problem, and it’s easy to do something to help.
There are Moscow organizations that offer housing options for the homeless, such as Sojourner’s Alliance. The local nonprofit also provides the homeless community with everyday materials — toilet paper, soap and facial tissues — many of which students purchase on a regular basis.
An easy way to help someone in need would be to purchase an extra item or two and donate it to one of the Sojourner’s Alliance facilities.
The University of Idaho even has its own food bank to help students in need. The Vandal Food Pantry has six locations on campus at Student Support Services, Student Media, the Diversity Center, the Campus Christian Center, the Counseling and Testing Center and the Student Recreation Center.
Whenever a location is open, students can access the cabinets filled with groceries and information sheets. There are no requirements to use the cabinets and no personal information is needed.
While food banks receive a tremendous amount of support around the holidays, food insecurity is a year-round problem and low-income residents need Moscow’s continual support.
Small donations can go a long way for these organizations and the people they serve.
Students should help make sure fellow Vandals don’t go to class hungry by dropping off donations at the Volunteer Center or the Counseling and Testing Center.
Boxes and Walls — a student-run exhibit focused on poverty, power-based violence and stereotypes — will give students the opportunity to experience challenges others face. The event will be held from 1-7 p.m. in Wallace Gooding Hall on the first floor. There are also several community organizations focused on issues of homelessness and poverty in the region that can provide information and volunteer opportunities for those who want to learn more or give back.
For those who do not have to worry about a place to sleep or an empty stomach, it may be hard to imagine what others are going through.
It’s important to support each other — both at UI and in the community — because Moscow is not immune to these serious issues, and homelessness and poverty should not be kept a secret when others can help.
–KH