Armed with sleeping bags, blankets and layers of clothing, about 30 MSU students and faculty bared the cold temperatures Wednesday night to sleep at the rock on Farm Lane.
The group wanted to increase awareness about worldwide poverty, housing and homelessness.
The second annual event, known nationwide as HabiFest, was held by the MSU chapter of Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that works to provide affordable housing in the Lansing area and worldwide.
"Our goal is to open some eyes about the seriousness of homelessness around us," HabiFest co-coordinator Monica Glysson said.
To achieve their goal of awareness, Glysson and other members of Habitat for Humanity spent the day passing out fliers and orange T-shirts to students interested in learning about poverty issues.
Students gave small donations to help build the shed that would go toward a house in the Lansing area.
Donations went to the organization, and half the proceeds go toward sponsoring next year's project.
After a candlelight vigil and guest speakers, the "shack-a-thon" began.
Using only cardboard boxes donated from area businesses and packaging tape, students who decided to brave the cold constructed their homes for the night.
The shelters ranged from elaborate domelike designs to basic rectangle- and square-shaped ones with cardboard roofs and floors. Flashlights, boxes of tissues, and alarm clocks were just a few of the items needed to survive the night. But as temperatures dipped into the low 20s, some students abandoned their boxes for beds.
"A lot of students think they don't have the time or money to help," business administration sophomore Lauren Pride said. "But a little can go a long way."
Melissa Loomans, a zoology junior, recalled baring 30-degree temperatures to sleep out last year. She said she didn't sleep out this year because of the cold weather.
"It was fun during the day being with my friends," she said. "But I didn't realize how cold the nights still are in April."
But Glysson, a fisheries and wildlife senior, said one of the group's main goals was to convince people to "shack up" in cardboard boxes for the night.
Although some students were discouraged by the unexpected cold weather and said they would not sleep out, she said the experience was worth it.
"By sleeping outside for the night, students can experience the reality of being homeless, even if it's for only one night," she said.
Jen Ricksgers
