Reality Walk yesterday

Parkersburg held a "Reality Walk" yesterday, due to November being National HOmeless and Hungry Awareness Month." A Continuum of Care (for homeless services) group, that CHS participates in, organized the event. It was a walk to several symbolic places in downtown Parkersburg that relate to the plight of homeless people in our town. About 250 people participated, which was an exciting turnout, and indicates both a good community interest in the topic, but the organizers creativity in coming up with a good event. CHS was well represented in the event: Lisa Doyle Parsons has been participating in the Continuum, and contributed to the planning and functioning of the event. Katrina Nelson, a youth worker in our after school program, was one of the featured presenters, giving her powerful story of her own experience of homelessness, and how she has dealt with this in her life. Melissa Jameson, Jim Lopreste, Patty Ralston, and myself, from the staff of the agency participated also. Barrie (our host home) and Scott, (a youth in our transitional living program) also participated. Shelby, a teen volunteer and supporter of our TLP efforts also participated. The Parkersburg News has a front page article about the event in its Sunday paper today. This was a very powerful event for the community, and gives us something to build on in our efforts to raise awareness of youth homelessness and our agency's efforts to develop supports for youth in these circumstances, and youth transitioning to adulthood who need supports.