Defiance College and NOCAC Path Center to educate on homelessness

October 21, 2019

DEFIANCE, Ohio - Defiance College and the Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission PATH Center will sponsor "A Night Without A Home" on Thursday, Oct. 24, beginning at 4:30 p.m. on the campus of Defiance College. "A Night Without A Home" provides an opportunity to discuss, think, and learn about homelessness by participating in unique events and activities.

Sixteen Defiance College students will be helping with the event, including Madeleine McMaster, Defiance, a senior in the social work program. She noted that her social work class enjoys partnering with NOCAC Path Center and making a difference in the community.

"From 'Empty Bowls' last year to 'A Night Without A Home' this year, we are always learning new skills and finding different ways to work together as a class," commented McMaster. "Our hope is this event spreads awareness to the community about homelessness and how real of an issue it is, even in a small city like Defiance. We would like to invite everyone to join us in supporting the Path Center at this event!"

Tents will be displayed on the campus lawn along Clinton Street to represent persons dealing with homelessness in rural Northwest Ohio. The night begins at 4:30 p.m. with the opening of the resource tent and soup kitchen. The soup kitchen will provide a modest meal to participants and the public until 7 p.m. Freewill donations will be accepted.

"Tent City" tours will educate attendees about the experiences of homeless people from our community with first-hand stories posted throughout. Tours will occur 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. During these times, attendees are also invited to learn what plarn is and create a plarn mat.

Welcome remarks will be given at 5:15 p.m. by Defiance College President Richanne C. Mankey and Defiance City Mayor Mike McCann, followed by a speakers' panel from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 that will discuss the causes of and solutions to homelessness from a variety of perspectives.

Volunteers at the event will be handing out free candy to trick-or-treaters from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Entertainment will be presented at 7 p.m. by local band LaDean with a family-friendly DJ providing music from 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Quiet time begins at 10 p.m. Movies about homelessness will be shared for overnight campers.

The event is free and open to the public.

Families, groups, and friends are encouraged to spend the night in the tents to help gain a perspective on living without a home. For more information about "A Night Without A Home" or to reserve a tent, please contact Susan Cheeseman at 419-782-6962 or scheeseman@nocac.org.

Chartered in 1850, Defiance College is an independent, liberal arts-based institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate programs of study as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement. The College is guided by the four pillars of its mission: To Know, To Understand, To Lead, and To Serve. The College website is www.defiance.edu.