Homelessness is a growing problem in Cleveland, but one organization is working to help those less fortunate. Interact Cleveland held a program called Homeless Stand Down at the Masonic Auditorium on Euclid Avenue. An estimated 650 people were fed and helped in a variety of ways.
Those who attended were helped by 300 volunteers and were given clothes, personal hygiene kits, haircuts, and were given health screenings. Massages and picture taking were also provided as well as entertainment from local live acts.
For attendee Tim Emery, the event makes everyone feel important. He says without services like this there would be chaos in the homeless community.
Attendees and volunteers there are like family and say it’s like the holidays, seeing everyone get new clothes, good food and see entertainment.
There are an estimated 4300 homeless people in Greater Cleveland area, according to the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless.
There are two more Homeless Stand Downs planned for February 12 and 18, 2011. For more information on the events, or to find out how to help visit http://www.interactcleveland.org or call 216-241-0230
article courtesy of Newsnet5.com
