Akron Snow Angels will host “Christmas in July” for area people facing homelessness, Sunday, July 22, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Grace Park (downtown at Perkins and Prospect). As part of the free event, Akron Snow Angels will pass out wrist bands to the first 300 people on site, which include tickets good for a tote bag donated by Goodwill — filled with toiletries, one-day bus … [Read more...]
Akron Snow Angels spread warmth to area homeless population
The caravan pulls up next to Grace Park, each vehicle serving as a station for different supplies to help equip the area homeless for the cold winter ahead. One man, among a group walking over from the Haven of Rest shelter, expresses his appreciation and yells out to the others: “Let’s go get our blessings.” The Akron Snow Angels kicked off a new season of giving, handing … [Read more...]
Homeless homeowner seeks help making house livable
Ryan Scanlon is a homeless homeowner. After years of panhandling, he saved enough money to purchase a house, but a number of repairs are still needed in order for the building to be inhabitable. So, he’s still homeless, sleeping in local shelters, abandoned buildings, park benches, even empty elevators, while his house sits vacant, awaiting renovation. Of primary importance … [Read more...]
A place to rest his head: Part III – A day in the life of Akron’s homeless
Editor's note: This is the final segment of a mini-series profiling one of Akron's homeless citizens. This series will follow one man's day, from sun-up to sun-down, and will chronicle his journey around downtown Akron on a brisk November day, where his main goal was to find a warm place to stay. Read Part I of this series here and Part II here. Matthew Garner returns from … [Read more...]
Run for the Homeless takes place Thanksgiving Day
Thousands of residents will brave the chill for a good cause next week, as the 23nd Annual Home Run for the Homeless will take place Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27. Last year's event brought in more than 3,000 registrants for the run and walk combined. This is the only fundraiser for the year for Gennesaret, which has no paid staff but has more than 300 volunteers and serves on … [Read more...]
Valor Home provides shelter to homeless veterans (Video)
Harry Donovan, born and raised in Akron, Ohio, received his first exposure to veterans while staying in a Cleveland hospital after being injured in the Navy. Many of the veterans there could not afford to go home for Christmas so Harry volunteered to pay for their expenses. "So I send all these guys home for Christmas. Come January, they sent me the bill for it. It was … [Read more...]
