Winter in Michigan is certainly no laughing matter — between the tendency for unpredictable weather and the proximity to the Great Lakes, winters are frigid and brutal more often than not. That uncertainty, however, also means that some years are warmer than others (this year included). While this winter might seem unseasonably warm for most, it's another story for homeless or precariously housed individuals. According to the National Weather Service , even 40°F temperatures can feel below freezing with winds as low as 20 MPH. When you also take into account that temperatures drop significantly at night, that winds are intensified by tall buildings in urban areas (where many homeless individuals stay), and that these individuals often don't have access to weather-appropriate clothing, it's no surprise that the homeless population is one of the most at-risk when it comes to exposure-related conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite. For Wayne State student...
Wayne State University's First Lady, Jacqueline Wilson, established the HIGH (Helping Individuals Go Higher) Program to ensure that students do not have to choose between financing basic necessities and earning a degree. The Program provides resources for students-in-need, such as housing support, textbook and other school suppliers, clothing, transportation, and child-care assistance.