This project started when journalist Nico Colombant and several UNR Reynolds School of Journalism students documented the opening of the Eddy House for homeless youth in Reno. The opening was preceded by an outreach event hashtagged #thisishomelessness, when activists and social workers lived on the streets for 48 hours. The following is a pictorial for some of those 48 hours.
The Eddy House team, journalists and volunteers get ready to live on the streets for 48 hours in March 2015.
Volunteers quickly started outreach efforts, to find out what were some the issues facing Reno's homeless population.
Lynette Eddy immediately reached out to teenage girls living in a very precarious situation on the streets, continuously fearing for their safety.
After a day on the streets, the homeless activists and journalists tried to figure out where they would sleep.
They found a spot by the Truckee river and bundled up.
After a short and uncomfortable night, the activists checked their phones before heading out again for more outreach efforts.
Lynette Eddy was shown some art, under a bridge by the Truckee river, by a young man who lives on the streets.
The activists hung out at the "Circle" in downtown Reno, where many youths without homes hang out during the day.
After 48 hours on the streets, the volunteers and the Eddy House team arrived at the Eddy House location for donations and a grand opening.
Those who had been on the street 48 hours were interviewed.
Supportive politicians like City Councilman Oscar Delgado showed up.
A big donation was given.
The Eddy House was open, and the work to help Reno's homeless youth began immediately.