Some Coastal Carolina University students will live in cardboard shelters on the night of Thursday, Nov. 9, to raise awareness and money for homeless youths in Horry County. The Cardboard Campus begins at 5 p.m. on Prince Lawn and continues through 8 a.m. the following morning, with several "speak-outs" scheduled throughout the night.

"Horry County has a growing homeless population, and many of them are youth, including some college students," said Jaime McCauley, assistant professor of sociology at CCU, who is helping to coordinate the event.

During Cardboard Campus, CCU students will spend a night outside on campus to experience what it might be like to live without permanent shelter. Participating students will raise money through pledges, and all proceeds will be donated to Sea Haven for Youth Emergency Crisis Services for youth ages 13 to 21. Sea Haven is a residential home in Little River licensed by the South Carolina Department of Social Services offering temporary shelter for youth in crises.

Students will make their own cardboard shelters, though there is also an option to pitch a tent for a minimum donation of $50.

The event is co-sponsored by CCU's Social Justice Research Initiative, the University's Women's and Gender Studies and Multicultural Student Services.

Speakers will include CCU professors who are conducting research and outreach projects with local homeless populations; Sea Haven staff workers who will talk about what the nonprofit provides and its needs; and homeless youth telling their own stories. Speak-out times are 5:50-6 p.m. (CCU); 6:50-7 p.m. (Sea Haven and youth); and 7:50-8 p.m. (Sea Haven and youth).

For more information about Sea Haven, or to make a direct donation, visit seahaveninc.com/donate.html or call: 843-626-1446, Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

CCU students who would like to register as a participant should email CCUcarboardcampus@gmail.com.