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Springfield Homeless Community Growing Larger
The dropping temperature, a poor economy, and an increase in the population is not a good mix for Springfield's homeless population. Sangamon County, like many areas of central Illinois, are struggling to find enough housing to meet the demand.
Today, Lincoln Land Community College hosted its sixth annual "Faces of the Homeless" event in hopes to make a difference in their community by spreading more awareness.
"I have sleeping bags, blankets, tons of socks to keep your feet warm, and mostly I eat out of trash cans," Mark Gasmon said. "I have been living on the streets for over 30 years."
Gasmon is only one out of hundreds of homeless people living on the streets of Springfield. Today, he spoke at the sixth annual "Faces of the Homeless" event, telling students about his life on the streets.
Mary Beth Ryan, Director of Career Development at Lincoln Land, said it is important to see that many people within our community are living in very tough situations.
"These people are real and we can see that these are actually community members that are out there on the streets and cold," Ray said. "And it just makes it a little more personal."
Homeless United for Change Executive Director Linda Gessaman said the majority of the homeless in Sangamon County either suffer from a mental illness or are unemployed.
"Right now, a lot of factories are leaving America and a lot of people are feeling the stress and they end up in the homeless community," Gessaman said. "I spoke with a man today and that was exactly the problem because there is no work."
One way that you can help is to be more proactive in your community. Spend more time volunteering at local shelters. There are tons of available opportunities to make a difference right here in your own backyard.
Officials said a little bit of your time can make a big difference in someone's life.
Right now the Homeless United for Change helps nearly 300 homeless people every single day, finding them places to sleep and eat.
For more information on volunteering you can visit the Salvation Army website, or the Contact Ministries website.
Springfield Homeless Community Growing Larger
The dropping temperature, a poor economy, and an increase in the population is not a good mix for Springfield's homeless population. Sangamon County, like many areas of central Illinois, are struggling to find enough housing to meet the demand.
Today, Lincoln Land Community College hosted its sixth annual "Faces of the Homeless" event in hopes to make a difference in their community by spreading more awareness.
"I have sleeping bags, blankets, tons of socks to keep your feet warm, and mostly I eat out of trash cans," Mark Gasmon said. "I have been living on the streets for over 30 years."
Gasmon is only one out of hundreds of homeless people living on the streets of Springfield. Today, he spoke at the sixth annual "Faces of the Homeless" event, telling students about his life on the streets.
Mary Beth Ryan, Director of Career Development at Lincoln Land, said it is important to see that many people within our community are living in very tough situations.
"These people are real and we can see that these are actually community members that are out there on the streets and cold," Ray said. "And it just makes it a little more personal."
Homeless United for Change Executive Director Linda Gessaman said the majority of the homeless in Sangamon County either suffer from a mental illness or are unemployed.
"Right now, a lot of factories are leaving America and a lot of people are feeling the stress and they end up in the homeless community," Gessaman said. "I spoke with a man today and that was exactly the problem because there is no work."
One way that you can help is to be more proactive in your community. Spend more time volunteering at local shelters. There are tons of available opportunities to make a difference right here in your own backyard.
Officials said a little bit of your time can make a big difference in someone's life.
Right now the Homeless United for Change helps nearly 300 homeless people every single day, finding them places to sleep and eat.
For more information on volunteering you can visit the Salvation Army website, or the Contact Ministries website.
