The Greek community here at Mississippi State University is making good on its promise to reach out to help the underprivileged. Sororities and fraternities alike are holding the first ever Poverty on the Row. Lacey Cortez, Panhellenic public relations at MSU, explained the beneficial effects of Poverty on the Row. “Poverty on the Row was conceived to benefit the university’s Habitat for Humanity while simultaneously raising awareness of substandard living in America and throughout the world,” Cortez said.
The event will require the collective efforts of all fraternities and sororities to construct a shack, comprised mostly of scrap materials and cardboard, and have a few of the sorority members actually spend the night inside to relate to poor living conditions. The cost of the shack and all materials cannot exceed $20. No luxuries will be provided to the students, a huge change for any student.
Erica Hodges, a senior psychology major, said she thinks Poverty on the Row is a great way to dramatically increase awareness of poverty stricken communities.
“I think that the Greeks are doing a wonderful job of trying to make a difference in an area that needs to be brought to everyone’s attention,” Hodges said. “Many of us take for granted just how privileged we are, and this should open a lot of eyes.