The Buffalo State campus will be the site of the annual Sleep Out - a night when students, activist groups and the community come together to bring awareness to the issues of hunger and homelessness in Western New York. Organizer Wesley Thomas talked with WBFO about whether Tuesday's event and the issue of homelessness is getting lost in presidential primary coverage. Thomas said New York's "difficult" election rules disenfranchise those with and without a permanent home.
"It's very difficult to register to vote in New York, whether you have a home or not," said Thomas. "You have to be registered at least six months before the actual primary election, not to mention having an actual address. The homeless do not have an address so they can't get out to vote. There are a lot of disenfranchising rules when it comes to voting in New York State that I think politicians should take a look at."
The Sleep Out begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday under the Cleveland Archway on the Buffalo State campus. The public is welcome to join those who will sleeping in make-shift cardboard houses to experience homeless conditions for themselves. There also will be plenty of speakers and information available about shelters and other homeless resources.
