What does staying in a cardboard box out in the cold for 72 hours have to do with Bemidji?
Omega Phi, a Bemidji State University (BSU) fraternity, stayed out in the cold for three days straight last week to raise awareness of homelessness in the Bemidji area.
Members slept inside a box or outside on a broken-down couch, and warmed themselves with a fire made inside a round metal trash can. All of the materials used, including cardboard and wood, were donated by local businesses.
In all, 10 active Omega Phi members participated in the "Out in the Cold" project. One member, Chong Yang, said it was a “great opportunity for the public to get to understand the homeless issue.”
Omega Phi was founded in 1992. Its founding fathers wanted to organize a group that would, "change the reputation of the fraternity and help strengthen the once strong Greek system in the BSU campus.”
One way Omega Phi does this is through its yearly “Out in the Cold” project, which began 15 years ago, and takes place during Homeless Awareness Week.
Omega Phi collected donations for Ours to Serve House of Hospitality, which is located across from the Bemidji Post Office. Ours to Serve provides overnight shelter for families, men, women and children 17 and under who are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Their other services include information and referrals, two daily meals, listening and support, laundry and shower facilities.
Omega Phi President Justin Lapinoja said the fraternity has “been doing this for over 13 years,” and that it has “been a blast.”
Omega Phi member Kyle Moscho said it was a "great way to get people aware of the harsh conditions the homeless have to deal with.”
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