Clubs come together to end student homelessness

By Fernanda M. Tovar

Editor-In-Chief

Measure DH, a new advocacy club on campus focused on fighting student homelessness, held a toiletry drive April 27 on the East Walkway.

Being their first collaborative endeavor, Measure DH partnered with Society of Independent Student Journalists, the Peace Club, Oranización Latina Estudiantil, Associated Students Inc., IHEARTDH and campus police for the charitable cause.

Students, staff and faculty could donate goods, such as toothbrushes, deodorant, feminine care products and mouthwash for homeless students attending Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Along with the donations, students, staff and faculty were urged to leave a note of encouragement for students who could possibly be facing these hardships.

There was a board that read, “What would be your message of support to our homeless students?”

“What better way to reach out to students than their own friends helping?” said Measure DH co-founder Christian Mosqueda.

Ramneek Kaur, a biology major, was the first student to donate.

Kaur said this event was a good way to show students they are not alone.
Esther Cruz, alumna, is also a co-founder of Measure DH.

Cruz said the inspiration for Measure DH came from personal experience and questioning how many others were also going through similar hardships.

“We want to let them know we’re here for them,” Cruz said. “We’re here for support.”

Cruz encouraged students to come forward and advise anyone who might know somebody who is going through hard times to contact the organization.

Angel Roman, a negotiation, conflict resolution and peacebuilder major who is co-president of the Peace Club, decided to support Measure DH’s efforts.

“It is a beautiful thing having all of these clubs coming together to support homeless students,” Roman said.

The main drop-off box was on the East Walkway. There were also five other drop-off locations throughout campus, including the Loker Student Union, the Office of Student Life, the Women’s Resource Center, the University Police Department and the Toro Dreamers Success Center.     For information on Measure DH, follow it on Instagram @measure_dh or email club members at measure.dh.01@gmail.com.