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SPANISH FORK -- Some high school students in Utah County will walk "Homeless for One Night" forsake the comforts of home to raise money to build homes for those who don't have them.
Friday's walkathon for Habitat for Humanity hopes to double last year's total of $4,000.
Organizer Lisie Dixon said that the walk moves her, physically and emotionally. "When it was like three o'clock in the morning, and you woke up students who are still up walking through the night, it was definitely something inspiring for me."
Dixon, who is also the student body president of Spanish Fork High School, enjoys the jaunt, but says watching the families who receive new homes is even better.
"It's really neat to watch these families go from substandard housing to living in homes that are safe and have enough room for their children," she said.
They'll take to Spanish Fork High School's track overnight, and students will work in relay teams of eight so that the gym's track is constantly occupied. Dixon said the money raised will pay for building materials in the future.
Some students will also helped to build homes Tuesday and Wednesday in Springville
Dixon said families are transformed when they receive their new homes. "Not only does it give them a roof over their heads, but it changes the whole dynamic of the family. It can change the education that these children can go on to get, and all kinds of things."
