The Living Village showcases temporary shelters like these, used in areas of extreme poverty or where thousands have been displaced by war or disaster.

25 SMU students volunteered to stay overnight in these shelters. Their goal: to assess the living conditions and find ways to improve them.

“Last night was the first night in the HexaYurt here, and it was pretty good; I enjoyed it,” SMU sophomore Travis Miller said. “It was pretty cold in the morning. I’m from Colorado so it’s kind of like night camping in Colorado…

“So sun shining in the morning but still kind of damp, wet and kind of cold. It was enjoyable, for the most part it wasn’t too bad. Last night we did a community event, hung out, had a concert, and played some volleyball, corn hole and tug of war. Seeing people who don’t have the basics.

“Even though I don’t have food right here, don’t have a subway right next door, don’t have a shower to go to if they are going to take a big exam. They don’t have a big exam to take, all of those little things to think about. It’s not roughing it like they are but its definitely making you think,” Miller said.