A Michigan Libertarian running in Michigan's U.S. Senate race is hoping to raise at least $10,000 to provide shotguns and firearms training for homeless people in the metro Detroit area.

Brian Ellison, who has filed to run as a Libertarian against sitting Democratic U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, announced a plan to "Arm the Homeless" last week. The project, if funded, would provide shotguns to members of the homeless community who qualify for gun ownership and provide them with training at a gun range.

Ellison said he started the effort after noticing a "big void" in offers to help the homeless defend themselves. He said he wanted to focus on the homeless population because they "are probably the most ostracized, victimized oppressed class of people."

"You can really see how the public perceives the homeless as less than human - it's a shame," he said. "Homeless people are people too, and they have a right to defend themselves."

The plan comes in the midst of national outcry over school shootings and calls for changes to the nation's gun laws. On Wednesday, students throughout Michigan and the country walked out of school to commemorate the 17 victims of the Feb. 14 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Fla.

The political nature of the events varied across the state - while some districts encouraged participation in demonstrations to advocate for stricter gun control policies, others kept the focus on honoring those killed in school shootings.

Many students expressed frustration at the lack of action to prevent school shootings, and said it was time for adults to listen to those who are most impacted by gun violence in schools.

Ellison said he sees his initiative as a "good counter" to the current conversation, adding that he believes students don't understand the historical ramifications of gun control and are being exploited.

A GoFundMe was initially created to support Ellison's cause, but the link has since been taken down. Ellison said he's currently working to find an alternate donation site to host the fundraising campaign.

He said he's not worried about potential legal or safety issues that could crop up with arming members of a vulnerable population.

"I assume somebody will try to put a stop to it," he said. "I anticipate there will be pushback, but we plan to work within the limits of the law."

Other candidates in the U.S. Senate race include Stabenow and Republicans John James, Sandy Pensler and Bob Carr.