This year’s annual Shantytown, a fundraiser that raises money for and awareness of the homeless in the Quad Cities, is doing more to raise money, said senior Kim Khuen, board member for Augustana’s Habitat for Humanity chapter.
“Not only will we have the Shantytowns, but we will have a bags tournament, a dart arts show and some bands come and play so we can raise more money,” said Khuen.
This year’s goal for the fundraiser has been based off of last year’s numbers.
“Last year we raised $435, but in addition to food we were closer to $500,” said Khuen. This year’s goal is to raise $500-$600.
Shantytown, which is organized through Augustana’s Habitat for Humanity chapter (H4H) that works with the Habitat for Humanity of the Quad Cities, raises awareness of homelessness in the area as students and student groups build “shanties,” or cardboard houses.
Donors can purchase cardboard to build a shanty for $30 at the event and the proceedings go to help the homeless in the Quad Cities. Many students sleep in the shanties overnight, which H4H encourages “to show the lives of what the homeless are going through,” said Khuen.
As many as 17 different groups participated in last year’s event.
“Any group on campus can participate,” Khuen said. “Many Greek groups participate, but any person can also participate that wants to help out.” Students can also create their own groups to build houses.
There will be bands playing at the event that are participating in the talent show portion of the fundraiser as well.
Shantytown events, like the one at Augustana, are done nationally. Habitat for Humanities across the United States have raised thousands of dollars to raise awareness for homelessness.
Shantytown will take place on May 7 on the lower quad and entry into the bags tournament is $10.