Habitat for Humanity wrapped up its Homelessness Awareness Week Thursday, following a week full of volunteer-based and educational events.
"We've definitely given the student body a greater idea of homelessness in Nashville and given them opportunities to help," said Lucas Deloach, publicity co-chair of Habitat for Humanity.
Thursday brought the conclusion of the week with the documentary "Dark Days," which follows 13 homeless people in everyday life.
"It just puts a face with the homeless," Deloach said.
The week began with a Penny War between Branscomb and Kissam Quadrangles and a visit to children of homeless families at Safe Haven Family Shelter on Monday.
Participants also learned about homeownership problems in the homeless community on Tuesday.
"Our housing simulation was probably the most successful event," Deloach said. "They have to see how difficult it is for the homeless to buy a home."
Wednesday brought a Habitat fundraiser at Qdoba, where the restaurant donated $1.50 to Habitat for Humanity for every student who brought in the flier featured on the organization's Web site.
Dhathri Chunduru, a spring break co-chair, said the week also highlighted other things Habitat for Humanity does.
"Few people are aware that we do more than just build," Chunduru said. "That's going to be next year's goal, to build interest in the student body."
Beyond that, Chunduru said she thought the main goal of the week - generating awareness - had been accomplished.
"Even if they haven't come to the events, people have seen the posters and the statistics," Chunduru said. "It's an actual problem, even in Nashville, even more than just people you see on the street."
Nicole Hames, also a spring break co-chair, said she thought involving other organizations was a good part of the week.
"I like to bring in students from different organizations and teach them to take an interest in the homeless," Hames said. "If they hear a statistic, they have it available. It's a tool that they can use later and propagate that information. It allows people to see how close it is to our community."
