NICC Calmar students learn first-hand about homelessness

24 Northeast Iowa Community College students from Calmar and Peosta spent their spring break helping the homeless in Denver.

Calmar campus NICC students were given money and were split into teams to spend the money on the needs of homeless citizens in a Denver neighborhood. The students investigated and learned about what people living on the street need, such as clothing, food and toiletries.

Students from both NICC Calmar and Peosta helped Denver's Atlantis Community Center to landscape and prepare community gardens for cultivation.

The students also ventured into downtown Denver to see the effects of homelessness on the heart of the city. Students learned, through observation and interaction, that homelessness in the Denver area is common. Students asked city residents to share what they believe are the city's biggest problems. They also heard stories from homeless persons themselves and discussed the situation with law enforcement officials, store owners and a district court judge.