This article is brought to you by the Committee to Elect Mike Katcher. Mike is running for Kokomo Common Council 3rd District to fight for issues that matter to our neighborhoods: sidewalks, street repair, new curbs, improved sewers, expanded trolley service, and investing in Indian Heights. That’s why Sheila Pullen, former Center Township Assessor, supports Mike.
“As I have watched Mike Katcher campaign for the 3rd District Council seat, I have been impressed by his energy, his understanding of the issues and his willingness to listen to the concerns and ideas of the people living in his district. Intelligent, hard-working, and honest. I am pleased to endorse Mike Katcher for Kokomo Council District 3.”
The north parking lot of Turning Point: A System of Care's Courtland Street facility was filled with individuals getting a hot meal, haircuts, toiletries, and manicures on Oct. 26. Helping Our Homies, a non-profit organization run by Naketa Catchings, held its third anniversary celebration by doing what it does best: helping the homeless.
The group's purpose is to provide needed resources, items, along with emotional and spiritual assistance to Kokomo's homeless population, according to Catchings, who also serves as the coordinator for Turning Point’s Recovery Café.
"This is my job, this is my ministry, this is where my heart is," said Catchings. "This is our third annual event. I prayed that this would be a nice day, and it is. But Mr. Wind came out to play."
During the event, individuals came and went. Some left and returned with loved ones. Catchings said she expected at least 150 people to be served that day.
"We are serving (food) over here, and we have a table for prayer over here," said Catchings as she toured the tables filled with clothing. "Some of the clothing was donated by the community, and we have a few tents, sleeping bags, socks, and gloves."
Partnering with Turning Point: A System of Care's Recovery Cafe, the Helping our Homies event also had volunteers from Turning Point's Recovery Cafe helping with distribution of the items, from clothing to hygiene products, along with harm reduction items such as Narcan.
When asked where people could donate to the charity Catchings replied, "If anyone wants to donate you can find me on the Helping Our Homies Facebook group." She noted that the next event for the non-profit is a program called "Adopt a Homie" where she asks individuals from the homeless community to write down on a numbered list six things they would want for Christmas.
“Then I post it by number, not by name, so people in the community can help them," said Catchings.
People wanting to help fill the Christmas wish lists can visit the Helping Our Homies Facebook page and claim a number. For donations or for needs, contact Helping Our Homies on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/HeWouldLove1st/ or contact the Recovery Cafe, 1234 N. Courtland Ave.