Posted at: 10/19/2012 10:49 PM
By: Laura Lee
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Email to a FriendDozens Help Shed Light on Homelessness Problem
(ABC 6 News) -- It's a saying that goes something like, 'you never know a person until you walk a mile in their shoes'. On Friday, to shed an important light on homelessness, that's exactly what took place in Rochester.
"I think its going to be chilly, I'm curious if it rains, because my box might tear down if it rains," says Leslie Vargas.
A concern Vargas only has to worry about one night this year, but for thousands of homeless people statewide, this is a reality they live with every day.
"Theres a big problem and we need to help do everything we can to help people get off the street and into a home," says Derek Woltman.
Woltman and hundreds others are camping out in Soldiers Field Friday to promote awareness of homelessness.
According to the most recent wilder survey, there are almost 380 homeless people in Rochester and more troubling more than 300 youth fit the definition of homeless in Olmsted County.
"Some don't have houses, not even cardboard boxes," says Brad Erath.
Brad Erath works with the Salvation Army and knows how important this problem is and he says this effort proves to be more than just the cardboard boxes keeping them warm overnight.
"Seeing people just trying to find a way to help them out, it really touches my heart, just like any of us a homeless person, they just want a place to call home."
A survey will be conducted next Thursday to better provide more recent homeless numbers.
