After the campout event last weekend, Homeless Awareness Week continues to be organized by SUNY Fredonia’s Psi Chi Honor Society, and will feature a speaker on Thursday, March 29 as well as a week-long clothing and food drive through Friday, March 30.
Diana Butcher of the Jamestown Salvation Army and Bill Vogt from Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc., will speak Thursday in Thompson Hall W231 at 5 p.m. Attendees will be offered advice on how to get involved in helping the community and the homeless population.
Besides the speaker night, individuals are welcome to contribute to the donation drive. Any donation such as clothing, toiletries and non-perishable food will be appreciated. Drop-off bins will be located at the Psychology Reading Room, third floor of the Thompson Hall, and the McEwen lobby from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Tuesday, March 27 thru Thursday, March 29. All items will be directly donated to the Salvation Army and Rural Ministries of Chautauqua County.
“The issue of homelessness is something that is happening in our neighborhood,” Samantha Miosi, secretary of Psi Chi Honor Society, “We believe the awareness week is a good way for the students on campus to be aware of the local problem in our community and help in making changes.”
Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. is a community action agency and community development corporation serving Chautauqua County. COI was incorporated in 1965 under the auspices of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. It is fighting the war against poverty by empowering low income individuals and stabilizing the vulnerable among us. COI strives to create economic opportunities that afford each individual a ladder out of poverty and improve the overall well being of the entire community.
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Based in 108 countries and territories, the Salvation Army preaches the gospel in 160 languages, operates hundreds of rehabilitation centers for the physically and socially handicapped, provides education at every level in more than 1,700 schools-and much more.
Psi Chi is the international honor society for psychology students, and is affiliated with the American Psychological Association, the primary professional organization for psychologists. Membership in Psi Chi recognizes members' scholastic achievements and their interest in psychology. Locally, Psi Chi is associated with the Psychology Club and members participate in many of the Psychology Club activities.
The awareness week is co-sponsored by the Psychology Club. To learn more, contact Samantha Miosi, secretary of Psi Chi Honor Society, at mios1063@fredonia.edu or 716-907-3522.
