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This may be a strange sight, but it has a real purpose. These students are camping out to raise funds and awareness for the problem of homelessness in Sanilac County.

The Youth Advisory Council's annual Cardboard City fundraiser will be held Saturday, April 21. Nearly 200 high school students are expected to participate.

"They really enjoy doing this," said YAC Junior Executive Director Bill Monroe. "It gives them a really great feeling."

Over the past five years, the student organization has raised approximately $75,000. Over $20,000 was raised last year alone.

One hundred percent of the money raised is used to help families get back on their feet. Distributed by HELP Inc. and Eva's Place and given in maximum amounts of $500, the money pays rent for people facing eviction and first month's rent for people needing a place to live.

A portion of the money is also put in an emergency fund to pay heat and electric bills and meet other emergency needs.

There is no question that the problem exists here in Sanilac County. The money raised by Cardboard City usually runs dry before Christmas.

"A-lot of people don't realize how big a problem it is," Monroe said. "When we think of homelessness, we think of somebody sleeping on a park bench. That is not always the case."

The Youth Advisory Council first organized the event in 2002 to raise money to match a state homelessness prevention grant. It was so successful it became an annual event.

This year, the event was moved from Friday to Saturday night to allow students busy with sporting events and other activities to participate.

Organizers are also hoping the change in date lends to more cooperative weather.

"It has rained every year," said Monroe. "We hope to dodge the rain Friday and have beautiful weather Saturday."

The council's 48 regular members travel to all seven local school districts and present information on the fundraiser, urging students to participate.

Student participants get behind the cause, said Monroe, a former YAC member and 2006 graduate of Marlette High School. Though every student must collect minimum pledges of $25, some gather much more.

"Generally it gives the kids something to be excited about."

To donate or for more information call 810-648-3634.