Education was at the forefront in Highland Square as people gathered for lunch to address
homelessness and how a community can do their part to help as well as raise awareness.
This important discussion entitled “There’s No Place Like Home” took place at House Three
Thirty late Wednesday morning. Akron Snow Angels, a non-profit organization put the event
together has been helping the homeless population in Akron since 2015.
Amongst their activities throughout the year include going on missions to provide food and
clothing to those with shelter insecurity throughout the Greater Akron area.
The luncheon’s keynote speaker was none other than Donald Whitehead Jr, the Executive
Director for the National Coalition for the Homeless based out of Washington D. C.
In Summit County alone, homelessness has increased by 56 percent between 2022-2024. Even
though individuals and groups like Akron Snow Angels are doing their best to help homeless
people find resources to get them on their feet, but Whitehead says we can do more to serve
this sensitive population.
“There needs to be more done for those with mental health issues all over this country,” he explained.
“There hasn’t been resources for them and we want to destigmatize homelessness.”
He says that compassion and understanding go a long way for those affected by homelessness.
“People need to feel like they belong,” and that’s what Akron Snow Angels does,” Whitehead said.
This program, designed to raise awareness of homelessness and vulnerable groups
spearheaded by Whitehead’s inspirational and thought-provoking speech, which highlighted his
own journey of displacement