By DEBRA CANO RAMOS
Every night in the United States, tens of thousands of people are homeless and go to bed hungry.
In Orange County, those numbers are just as startling.
Cal
State Fullerton sociology majore Dora Armento helps prepare for an
event raising awareness of local hunger and homeless issues.
More than 450,000 people are at risk for hunger every month in the
county, according to the Orange County Food Bank. The homeless
population, which represents every race, age group and community in
Orange County, is estimated at more than 35,000 — nearly the size of
Cal State Fullerton's student population.
These are statistics Cal State Fullerton sociology major Dora Armenta wants to change.
Armenta, a junior who wants to pursue a career helping others, is a
project leader for the university's Hunger & Homelessness Awareness
Week, which is under way now. She is one of more than 15 students who
planned and implemented the event, themed "Feed Thought. Make Change."
The four-day event, sponsored by the Volunteer & Service Center,
hopes to dispel stereotypes about the homeless and hungry population in
Orange County. The event features a visual exhibit confronting
stereotypes of homeless people, an interactive exhibit that explores
the causes and realities of hunger and homelessness, and a canned food
drive and monetary donation collection to benefit the Orange County
Food Bank.
Q. Why is it important to hold this event?
A. No individual and family should have to suffer alone simply
because the population is not aware of their unfortunate circumstances.
By teaching and enlightening others, we hope that they can see the
seriousness of this prevalent issue and do their part to aid others.
Q. What will students learn?
A. For those who participate in the event, we hope to instill a
sense of benevolence and a desire to assist others. We're hoping that
they will realize that it is up to them to change the circumstances of
these individuals. Hunger and homelessness could happen to anyone, and
we should all take an active role to help those who are in need.
Q. Why are you involved in this project?
A. It is not enough that we know something; knowledge should be
spread and then acted upon. Helping to coordinate Hunger &
Homelessness Awareness Week allows me to spread knowledge and make
others aware. Simply because this issue may not presently or directly
affect us does not mean it should not concern us. I strongly believe
that we should always extend a helping hand, whether it is through
direct service or spreading awareness. It all starts with educating
others, and that is what I am hoping to do.
Q. What is the message you would like spread about hunger and homelessness?
A. Perhaps you may not see it or even hear about it, but it is there
in your own neighborhood. Unfortunately, hunger and homelessness lurks
in our community and our only hope is for each one of us to become a
participant for change in order to transform the circumstances of
others. Homelessness does not discriminate against anyone; it could
happen to me — and you.
