A coalition of churches, nonprofits and community organizations is launching a massive blanket drive and signature campaign to put the spotlight on the challenges faced by the homeless, particularly during colder weather.
The campaign, "Every Life Matters", calls for more public support for homeless men and women, but also acknowledges that everyone -- whether or not they have a home -- has value, said Kevin Spears, director of development for the Central Outreach & Advocacy Center, one of the organizers of the campaign. He said signatures will be collected in a book and presented to Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, who has put homelessness and helping the poor on his list of priorities.
Spears, whose office is located downtown, said the recent rain and cold temperatures caught some homeless people by surprise.
"If you walked the block earlier this week, you would have seen about 100 to 120 people who had gotten soaked," he said. "They had their blankets on the fence trying to dry them out. Once a blanket gets wet, it's as much a deficient and as it is a benefit ... I don't think people can fully grasp the physical, emotional and psychological exhaustion that comes with being exposed to the elements like that."
The initiative, which is in its second year, grew out of the death of Tim Wilson, a homeless man who froze to death in 2010. His death had an impact on local artist Laura Martin, who lived not far from where Wilson died. She created a quilt in memory of Wilson, which will be on display at several sites around metro Atlanta in the coming weeks.
According to one projection, nearly 20,000 people will experience homelessness in Atlanta and in Fulton and DeKalb counties sometime this year.
"In God's eyes, everyone matters," said the Rev. Gary W. Charles, pastor of Central Presbyterian Church, which is helping lead the campaign.
"Our city is facing a rising number of people who are not housed and who, because of the economy, have lost their jobs and are forced to live on the street," he said. "There's not nearly enough shelter space for women and people with children. It's time that we as a city wrestle with how we help those who are facing some of the most difficult challenges of their lives."
Additionally, the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, which is a participant of "Every Life Matters", and the Catholic Students Association at Georgia State University are holding a blanket drive for the homeless. People can also donate money, canned goods and clothing.
People are being asked to donate new or clean blankets (preferably full size) at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 48 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. S.W. or to bring a blanket at anytime to GSU's University Center, Room 402, 66 Courtland St.
For information about donation sites, to view the quilt and to add your name to the campaign, go to www.everylifematters.org.
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