Omega Psi Phi fraternity, a social/service organization, is sponsoring “14 Days of Omega,” which includes programs raising money for homelessness among other causes.

“I think that there is a problem with homelessness. Something needs to be done about it. You need to start somewhere,” Omega Psi Phi President Willie Fowler said.

Fowler said the programs began Halloween weekend and will continue into December. The five-member fraternity has many activities planned for the upcoming weeks. “We are working very hard,” he said.

The fraternity is sponsoring “Amateur Night at the Apollo,” a student talent show, at 8 p.m., Monday in the Carl Sandburg Auditorium in the Holmes Student Center. Tickets cost $2 or $1.50 with a canned good. Fowler said the cans will be donated to a food pantry and a percentage of the proceeds will go to help the homeless.

As part of its programs, the fraternity is participating in a blood drive with other fraternities in the Capitol Room of the HSC from 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fowler said the fraternity is the first black organization to participate in a blood drive.

“There is a great need for blood, especially for minorities. We’re hoping to encourage other minority organizations to sponsor blood drives,” Fowler said.

After Thanksgiving break, the fraternity is hoping to hold a clothes drive in the residence halls. Fowler said the clothes will be donated to local shelters for the homeless.

The groups plans to place donation boxes in the residence halls, where people can drop off old clothes. The program is awaiting approval from residence hall directors.

“I think that there is a problem with homelessness. Something needs to be done about it.”

Willie Fowler, Omega Psi Phi president