Homeless Awareness March a Success

Over 700 people gathered on Saturday morning to raise awareness about homelessness. Together, they walked past the Salvation Army Women's Shelter, the Uptown Men's Shelter, and the Urban Ministry Center.

Homeless Helping Homeless was there in full effect.

Group members had recruited nearly 20 students from Davidson and UNCC, as well currently and formerly homeless individuals. We walked behind our HHH banner, wearing arm bands with the names of the homeless who died in the last year.

Thank you to Joey Honeycutt for making the armbands, all the community members who joined us, and to A Way Home, for putting on the March.

Together, we can end homelessness!

Pedro, a HHH member, stayed afterwards to help clean up. Thanks, Pedro!

Moving Memorial at County Commission Meeting

On Tuesday's County Commission meeting, nearly 30 individuals, most of them homeless and formerly homeless, gathered to remember the 38 homeless members of our community who died in the past year.

HHH member Mark Dorsett began by explaining his own story of homelessness and why the group was gathered. He was followed by member Claudia Moses, who read the names of the deceased one by one.

As each name was read, an audience member stood up, holding a sign with the name of the loved one, the date of death, and the words "Homeless No More."

By the time the last name was read, the room was filled with signs and the Commissioners watched with great honor.

Commissioner Roberts responded with gracious words, thanking us for our words and visual representation of the dignity and worth of each individual.

A big thanks to Linda Gurley and Rachel Richardson who created the signs and everyone who came out to support the event.

For video created by the Charlotte Observer of the event, check out: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/420/index.html?media_id=2408436

HHH Takes it to Tailgating

This past Sunday, as the Panthers were preparing to take on the Detroit Lions, Homeless Helping Homeless was out in full force among the tailgaters. We were having our own party, of sorts.

We collected empty aluminum cans from all the revelers and cashed them in to help fund the work of HHH. Better yet, we were meeting people and hopefully changing some of their stereotypes about homeless.

All in all, we collected 169 pounds of aluminum, 2 pieces of chicken, 8 cans of energy drink, and good memories. Thanks for everyone who came!

Vigil to Remember Those Who Passed

On Monday evening, over a hundred people gathered in parking lot in Uptown Charlotte to remember 37 individuals who passed away. They died from heartaches and robberies, car accidents and cancer - but they had one thing in common - they had all been homeless.
The annual vigil was presented by the Homeless Services Network and was attended by the homeless, service providers, and volunteers.

The Reverend Ty Smithdeal, who also serves as a job counselor with the homeless, presided over the service, while the Community Singers and Voices of Love choir provided music. Two formerly homeless individuals shared their poetry - Catrice read her poem "Invisible" and Rollon read "Homeless No More."

See below for pictures from the moving event:

HHH Visits Washington and Lee

With two mini-vans and a lot of caffeine, twelve of us made our way up to Lexington, VA to spend a few days with students at Washington & Lee University for Homeless and Hunger Awareness Week.

Last spring students from W & L spent their spring break with the Urban Ministry Center community. This fall, they invited us to come to their world.

Not only did we get to visit with our friends from last spring, but we were able to provide programming for the campus: our soccer players presented the documentary "Kickin' It" that examines the Homeless World Cup and features Charlottean Craig Holley; a handful artists presented their work in the student Commons; and a panel of HHH members presented a "Faces of Homelessness Panel" to help students put a story (or in our case 4 stories) to the word "homeless."

Thank you to Elliot, Robbie and all who helped make our trip possible.

See below for some great pictures:
Quinetta, Capone, Jamie and Rollon in front of "Robert E. Lee Chapel"

Elliot shows of us Columnade walk. For the week, students placed 23 makeshift tents with facts about homelessness in the historic campus walk. Elliot is pictured above at the tent where he slept all week to raise awareness.

Rollon and Jamie on our walk through the historic downtown of Lexington, VA.

Quinetta is featured with one of makeshift tent and a provoking fact - 79% of homeless youth attend school