Last Saturday, January 19th, concerned citizens hit the streets of Athens, Ohio in the Good Works Sixth Annual Walk for the Homeless.  The event raised $32,000 for Timothy House, a homeless shelter in the area.

There were three different routes to choose from, one for children and two for adults.  Rather than just walking a route, participants were challenged to think about the plight of homeless.  Signs, videos and interactive activities were available.  The Athens Messenger reported:

The Kids Walk featured a homeless camp made up of former residents of the Timothy House who were there to tell their stories as kids asked questions. “Children are the next generation of decision-makers on issues that matter to the poor,” Wasserman said. “Children have a pure motivation that’s not encumbered by politics.”

“It was amazing how the people were so articulate, kind and willing to share their stories,” said Jamie Linscott, an adult volunteer who went on the Kids Walk. “They didn’t fit any stereotypes of homelessness and poverty. It made it real, but not scary for the kids.”