EDITORIAL: "Fun for a Cause"

Three student groups have planned benefit performances in the next two weeks that will help the homeless of West Philadelphia receive both immediate and long-term assistance. Tonight, the University City Hospitality Coalition is sponsoring a concert featuring three men who have been homeless at one point in their lives in addition to the a cappella group Penny Loafers. Organizers say they wish to make homelessness less abstract and more personal to students while raising money for their cause. And next weekend, two groups will sponsor their annual benefit concerts to aid the homeless. Penn Rocks For the Homeless, a benefit featuring local bands, and Stand-Up Against Homelessness, an event affiliated with Comic Relief and featuring nationally-known comedian Allan Havey, each raised thousands of dollars last year to provide shelter and long-term aid for the city's homeless. The problems of the Philadelphia are complex and challenging, and it is not always certain the University does all it can to be a good neighbor. But we commend the students who have organized these and dozens of other events and activities to benefit the surrounding community, and we encourage all students to attend at least one of these events. They benefit us all.