While a number of the speakers praised Harvard's efforts to combat homelessness, Boland said he partly blames Harvard for the rising homelessness in Cambridge.
"Every time Harvard buys property it drives the rent up," Boland said.
Despite the seriousness of the subject, the speakers remained positive.
"We're not homeless; we're outdoorsmen," Williams joked.
One panelist, Sandra Han, had to leave early because of her shelter's curfew, making real the problem homelessness to the audience.
The event, which drew about 40 people to Hillel, was cosponsored by the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter at University Lutheran and the Housing Opportunities Program.
Mostly, the speakers encouraged students to volunteer at homeless shelters or soup kitchens.
"If you want to change a life, work at a shelter," said Capinegro.