KSU Sleep-Out Planned for Homelessness Awareness Week

If you happen across a bunch of 20-somethings camped out on the campus over the next couple days, you shouldn't confuse them for Occupy Wall Streeters.

As part of its fourth annual Homelessness Awareness Week, Kennesaw State University is holding a sleep-out from 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, to noon Saturday, Oct. 15.

According to the event website, students will play the roles of homeless individuals who must find food and shelter while attempting to go to school. Teachers, faculty and other students will play the roles of police, court personnel and social service workers.

Participants will also undergo a check-in process that will include alcohol and weapon screenings to simulate what homeless individuals go through to obtain resources.

The Rules:

• Participants are only permitted to bring what they can carry in a reasonably sized bag.
• No cell phones, gaming devices, music players or laptops are allowed (unless given approval to share the experience via social media).
• Alcohol, drugs and other illegal items are not allowed.
• Participants must attend class and work as scheduled but return to the event immediately afterward as-is.
• Public urination is a no-no.

Advocates from MUST Ministries, Georgia Alliance to End Homelessness and the Salvation Army will also be on hand to provide information and raise awareness about the nation's homeless.

Check back in with Kennesaw Patch later this week as we'll have a more detailed story on the KSU sleep-out.