Campus News

Alumnus writes book on homeless youth

October 14, 2009

Danny Heggen will be coming Simpson Oct. 14 to speak on his recent book at 7 p.m. in the Pioneer Room in McNeill Hall.

Since graduating from Simpson in 2008, Heggen has combined his passions for community service and creative writing with his second published work “From a Growing Community: Iowa’s Homeless Youth.”

The book is a collection of letters to and from youth in Des Moines homeless shelters where Heggen has volunteered. Together with Justin Norman, Wesley Norman and Nicole Anderson, another 2008 Simpson alumni, Heggen compiled the letters into a book published through their small business, Shrieking Tree Manufactory.

Heggen is using this project as an opportunity to reach out and inform the public of the very real and immediate issue of homeless youth in Iowa.

“One of the great things Simpson taught me throughout my studies was that I am able to be a vehicle for these youth to be heard,” said Heggen. “I am able to use my education and skills to be an agent of change.”

So far, 700 books have been sold, and Heggen has high hopes of reaching his ultimate goal of 10,000. Half the revenue from each book sale is donated back to local homeless shelters.

They can be found statewide in Borders bookstores, as well as Barnes & Noble and Wellspring Books in West Des Moines. There will also be books available for purchase at the forum event.

You can learn more about this project and how to get involved at www.sowsomethingmeaningful.com.

Last Updated: 10/9/09