Group raises awareness about Milwaukee's homeless



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A group of people huddled up in the cold Tuesday evening next to the fire they started in an old garbage can.

But they didn't spend the night outside because they had to, they did it to send a message.

"Milwaukee County has a homeless problem and we want to try to get out and help them get some items because it's going to get real cold soon," said Milwaukee County Supervisor Michael Mayo.

Supervisor Mayo organized the overnight event in Dineen Park to raise awareness about homelessness.

In 2012, state officials say 6,600 people in Milwaukee County faced homelessness. 1,800 of those individuals were children.

"I need some people to come out and just be helpful to the homeless. If you see one, seek how you can help them get counseling or something like that," said Supervisor Mayo.

Supervisor Mayo says funding for homeless shelters in Milwaukee County will be cut by $600,000 in the 2014 federal budget.

That's why he was asking for people to drop off donations for area shelters during the event.

"It was a wide variety of items that we received from blankets and pillows  to personal hygiene products, there were many scarves and hats, and then just a variety of clothing," said Cindy Krahenbuhl, Executive Director of The Guest House.

The guest house was 1 of 4 nonprofits receiving the gifts.

"When I got here with my car brimming to the top I asked for some of the gentlemen here to help and they're like, 'Wow Cindy where did all of this stuff come from? This is great.' So they were pretty thrilled," said Krahenbuhl.

Making a difference in the lives of people in the community who could really use a helping hand.

For more information on how to volunteer CLICK HERE.

If you'd like to make a monetary donation, click one of the following shelters...