Charlotte County Faces of Homelessness Speakers' Bureau: August 2012

I have been working at the homeless coalition as an AmeriCorps VISTA for 7 months now and each week I still find myself surprisingly shocked at the amount of children residing in our safe house shelter.

Just a couple of weeks ago, we had 22 children in our shelter -- this week we have 14. It breaks my heart to see countless children and families come through our doors each week needing immediate shelter -- but one thing is for sure -- I am glad that we can help.

I can't imagine what it must be like to be a homeless child -- to be faced with the harsh reality that you don't have your own bed, your own home, and many times -- food to eat. I can't imagine the weight that these young souls carry with them daily -- hearing their parent's talk about not having enough money to provide the basic essentials that their family needs.

As a VISTA, I am in a unique position to be that change I wish to see in the world -- honestly, one doesn't need to be a VISTA to do this -- anyone can make a difference in the lives of others. However, being a VISTA has allowed me the opportunity to do some incredible things and has provided me the platform in which to do those things -- things like putting together a fun day of activities for our shelter children.

With a generous donation of a bounce house from Galactic Bounce in North Port -- we were able to provide these amazing children with a fun-filled day of back-flips, bounce basketball, and endless trips down the bouncy slide. Donna Baggott, a regular CCHC volunteer and remarkable face-painter came to the event and spent hours painting beautiful butterfly, kitty-cat, and dragon faces on our children -- who just loved every minute of it. A local DJ even came to provide hours of non-stop music and entertainment. Food was also provided by New Hope Church who hosts a BBQ once a month for the homeless in the CCHC parking lot. All-in-all -- it's just what everyone needed -- a moment to just laugh and enjoy each other and leave their worries behind -- if only for a moment.

I personally would like to thank everyone who made this event possible -- especially my fellow VISTAs -- David and Courtney.