Homelessness and hunger in the U.S. is often referred to as a "revolving-door" crisis. Many escape the dire situation quickly, but many more become homeless every day. Currently, an estimated 3.5 million homeless persons, including 1.35 million children, live in the U.S., and the number is increasing, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless.

The situation is one that Dr. Laura Stivers, chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Pfeiffer University, knows all too well. Stivers, who has done extensive research on homelessness and housing in America and has written a book on the subject, said the epidemic should call for immediate "outrage" and action.

"As Christians we ought to be outraged that anyone is homeless or lives in substandard housing," said Stivers, whose book attempts to not only shed light on the issue of homelessness and inadequate housing in the U.S., but also encourages individuals and church communities to think more deeply about how they approach the problem.  

Stivers will discuss the details of her research on Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Stokes Student Center (SCC) Blue Room at Pfeiffer University as part of a weeklong series of events sponsored by the university during National Hunger and Homelessness Week Nov. 16-20. Pfeiffer's student organizers will join other college students and campuses around the country that week to raise awareness about the issues that surround hunger and poverty, while encouraging students to do their part in local communities and around the world.

Pfeiffer's lineup of activities and events will begin a few days early on Thursday, Nov. 12 with a canned food collection, co-sponsored with Sodexo Food Services. The food drive will kick off a week-long canned food competition in which clubs, residence halls and sports teams will compete to see who can collect the most pounds of food by the end of the following week.

Other events that week include a host of educational programs starting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16 in the SCC lounge with a documentary presentation of "Kicking It," which tells the story about a homeless world cup soccer team. On Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 4 p.m., Street Soccer 945 will scrimmage against Pfeiffer soccer teams at the N.E. Lefko Soccer Field. Operated by Charlotte Urban Ministries, Street Soccer 945 is a program that incorporates the sport as a way to lift people out of homelessness.

A discussion with the Faces of Homelessness panel of Washington, D.C. at 8 p.m. on Nov. 20 will precede an all- night effort by Pfeiffer students to experience homelessness by sleeping outside in cardboard boxes in a "Box City." Organizers hope these events and others will educate and raise awareness about the societal stigma of homelessness and encourage all to become part of the solution.

For a complete list of events, click here. For more information, call (704) 463-3441 or email Suzie Hinman at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Lindsey Rearigh at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Established in 1885, Pfeiffer University is a comprehensive United Methodist-related university, with multiple campuses, including Misenheimer, Charlotte and the Triangle, committed to educational excellence, service and scholarship. Pfeiffer University is a member institution of the North Carolina Campus Compact, a coalition of colleges and universities dedicated to increasing campus participation in community and public service.

Media contact: Natasha A. Suber (704) 463-3040 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .