TURLOCK — It likely would be another restless night Wednesday for Nu Alpha Kappa fraternity brothers. After sleeping under blankets and sleeping bags since Sunday, they still wake up covered in frost.
Then it's time for school, and they welcome the classroom's warmth.
These California State University, Stanislaus, students moved into the quad this week to bring attention to the plight of the homeless, and it is no slumber party.
They don't return to their rooms for a hot shower or to brush their teeth.
"We made sure we announced it in our classes that we were going to smell by the end of the week," said sophomore Mehran Khodabandeh, who helped organize the second annual "Homeless Awareness Week."
"People on the streets don't have the option of showers," he said.
The fraternity is collecting money, canned goods and clothing on campus to donate to Turlock's We Care homeless shelter.
They will use the money, about $400 so far, to help feed the homeless at United Samaritans Foundation tonight.
Khodabandeh hopes the event will inspire people to donate their time to help alleviate the city's homeless problem and open their eyes to its human cost.
"We want people to educate themselves on the homeless issue and not just follow all the stereotypes," he said.
Bee staff writer Merrill Balassone can be reached at mbalassone@modbee.com or 578-2337.
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