Youth group, volunteers help to warm and feed Detroit's homeless

Detroit — Dozens of the city's homeless residents received blankets and soup Saturday from a youth organization and other volunteers at Cass Park.
The event, Project: Warm Detroit, not only provides the homeless with goods, but also teaches the young volunteers to be thankful for what they have, said Tony Weston, president and founder of the Mentoring Youth Network. The network, which began in 2008, mentors students at Rutherford Academy and Stewart Learning Academy.
"We show them we have to give back in order to be successful," Weston said.
The homeless were made aware of the event through fliers passed out in Cass Park area including the Neighborhood Service Organization. Recipients lined up to receive blankets, soup and water prior to the 10 a.m. giveaway.
The efforts were a collaboration of the Mentoring Youth Network, UAW Local 163 and Women's Interactive Network.
Rahzel Heath, 12, and Tionne Dewberry, 11, both sixth-graders at Stewart Learning Academy, said Saturday they enjoyed helping the homeless.
"You have that feeling inside to be nice to other people," Rahzel said. "I think it's helping so many people in Detroit who don't have a home."
Tionne agreed.
"I think it's great for homeless people to get blankets and food they don't get on the streets," she said.
For information, visit http://www.mentoringyouthnetwork.com.

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