One student’s goal provides shelter to the homeless

The Mankato Salvation Army would have had to close its men’s homeless shelter last year if Kristi Wibben, an URSI junior, had not taken steps to keep it open. While doing Community Based Problem Solving with Dr. Cherrington, Kristi decided to focus on the homeless problem in Mankato and specifically, addressed the funding crisis of the men’s homeless shelter. With the help of the Students for Urban and Regional Studies Institute Club, as well as countless faculty, students, and community members, her Project-Close-At-Hand raised $15,000 over a 24-hour period. The goal was to keep the 20-bed shelter open over the winter season. Kristi’s project succeeded in raising campus and community awareness to the homeless problem, while also bringing MSU students and the community together. A total of 155 MSU student volunteers, who set a goal to collect at least $100 each, were able to collect $8,000 on October 23, 2001. The community contributed a total of $12,000 after the Mankato Free Press newspaper featured several stories on Kristi’s project. Kristi’s accomplishments were also written up in the April 19 issue of USA Weekend. Kristi also received the National Salvation Army’s “Others” award for her hard work. Kristi presented her CBPS project at the MSU Undergraduate Research Conference in March of 2002.

From left to right: Captain Bill Mealy, Salvation Army, Dr. J., Kristi Wibben

Thank you Kristi for showing the campus and department an example of leadership and a commitment to promoting dignity within our community.