What does it feel like to have only a cardboard box for a shelter or not know what your next meal will be? Those signing up for an all-night event on Nov. 16 will get a tiny glimpse while drawing attention to the problem.

 

The Next Step Homeless Services, a homeless services agency, and three student groups at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith are joining forces to hold a Cardboard Box City, where participants live in their boxes on the UAFS Campus Green from 5:30 p.m. until 7 a.m. the next morning.

 

The event -- designed to bring awareness locally to hunger and homelessness in the River Valley -- includes activities until 10 p.m. with speakers who have knowledge of homelessness and the showing of a movie with a homeless theme.

 

An evening meal will be provided by UAFS, with breakfast sponsored by River City Deli. Participants will also decorate their boxes, with a prize awarded for the most creative box.

 

Cardboard Box City is for all ages, but at least one adult chaperone is required for every five participants under the age of 18. All participants must pay “rent” -- $10 for adults and children and $5 for students with student identification.

 

“Rent” can be raised through pledges, and “rent” checks may be made out to The Next Step Homeless Services. In the memo line, write Cardboard Box City.

 

“Rent” money may be dropped off in advance of the event at the UAFS Student Activities Office in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, room 111, no later than Nov. 15. For more information, email studentactivities@uafs.edu or call 479-788-7663.

 

Some cardboard boxes will be provided for those who do not have one, but participants are encouraged to bring their own, as well as warm clothing, a sleeping bag, a pad, a pillow and a flashlight.

 

All proceeds go to The Next Step Homeless Services, which operates the Esther Home for homeless women and homeless women with children. While residing at the Esther Home, clients receive individualized case management services. Clients are required to live an alcohol and drug free lifestyle and save 80 percent of their earnings payable to them upon graduation from the supportive housing program. Clients use their savings for things such as first and last month’s rent, utility deposits or a down payment for a vehicle.

 

Dr. Dan Maher of Fort Smith, who teaches anthropology at UAFS and is board member of The Next Step Homeless Services, said the Cardboard Box City event is a great way for students to connect their academic studies with the community in which they live.

 

“Students taking sociology, anthropology, psychology and other social science courses learn about poverty and mental illness,” said Dr. Maher. “The Box City event provides students with a simulated experience of living in a box for a night. It is a way for students to connect what they're learning in the classroom to the real living conditions of many people right here in Fort Smith.”

 

Curtis Adams of Fort Smith, president of the Student Government Association, agreed.

 

“The box city event is an insightful experience,” said Adams. “It provides members of the campus community an amazing hands-on experience in relation to understanding homelessness in the community.”

 

Adams said the event last year included a diverse group of students from a wide variety of backgrounds, all coming together to build their make-shift homes and enjoy good conversations, hot chocolate and snacks.

 

“It is most definitely a rewarding, uplifting and positive learning experience,” he said. “I urge all students to attend.”

 

In addition to the Student Government Association, other UAFS student organizations sponsoring the event include the Non-Traditional Students Organization and the Chancellor’s Leadership Council. The event kicks off the beginning of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, and this is the second year for UAFS to hold a Cardboard Box City as part of the promotion.

 

Next Step Executive Director Amy Sherrill of Greenwood said the event is also a chance for the public to come together with UAFS students as a community to discuss the local issues facing homeless individuals in the area.

 

“Those homeless individuals include single mothers with children who can find help at Next Step’s Esther Home,” she said.

 

Donations will also be accepted during Cardboard Box City of items which will be donated to The Next Step Homeless Services -- toilet paper, coffee, canned goods and new socks.

 

The Next Step Homeless Services, a United Way Community Partner and a Community Development Block Grant recipient, has a daytime shelter for homeless individuals. It provides a myriad of services, ranging from individual case management, hot meals, job counseling, psychological counseling, life-skills training, bicycle rentals, phone availability with after-hours messaging, mail service, budgeting classes, anger management classes and assistance with affordable housing searches.

 

Next Step also has two other supportive homes for homeless clients. They are the Buddy Smith Home, which focuses on military veterans, and the Gabriel House for single men.

 

For more information about The Next Step Homeless Services go to www.thenextstepfs.org.