Sparrow's Nest launches homeless student campaign

Homeless mannequins are hanging out around Columbia Falls and other cities in the Flathead Valley this week.

Sparrow’s Nest of Northwest Montana launched “Somebodies” campaign on May 2 to increase awareness surrounding unaccompanied homeless high school students in Flathead County. In Columbia Falls, find mannequins at Smith’s and Falls Coin Wash and Laundromat. Over 50 “somebodies” are at sponsored sites around Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Whitefish and Lakeside until May 9.

There are 38 unaccompanied homeless high school students in the Columbia Falls area, according to state statistics from September 2015.

These “somebodies” are high school student mannequins outfitted with signs explaining a student’s situation, such as “I have no place to go” or “I am hungry,” which is the everyday reality for many high school students in the community. Each mannequin will have an educational sign next to it that provides the definition of homelessness used for teens as well as reasons why they become homeless.

“Somebodies” can be found at various local businesses, on benches and in offices.

According to Sparrow’s Nest, the array of host sites reflects not only the community’s investment in its youth but the reality that many of its youth in need are often invisible and unnoticed.

Sparrow’s Nest is a nonprofit that provides housing for homeless high school students in Flathead County.