A new book focuses on the plight of young homeless people in Iowa, what’s considered a rising problem in 97 of the state’s 99 counties. Danny Heggen, of Ames, compiled the book, “From a Growing Community, Iowa’s Homeless Youth,” and says he’s had the chance to work with countless homeless youth in Iowa.
He says the book is a collection of nine letters written first-hand by homeless youth between Ames and Des Moines. Before starting the project, Heggen worked as a volunteer with Youth and Shelter Services. He says the young people who are featured in the book have been dealing with a host of different challenges.
He says the letters are from youth who’ve gone through foster care and ended up homeless, or who are living in homeless camps, are victims of mental and physical abuse, have abused drugs, or are homeless single mothers. Heggen says the sale of the 90-page book will help Iowa’s homeless youth and their need for counseling.
He says $10 from every $20 book purchase will be donated to Youth and Shelter Services. The book is being published by Shrieking Tree in Des Moines and is being printed in Madrid, Iowa. The book is for sale at Borders stores in Des Moines and Ames and online at “www.sowsomethingmeaningful.com“.
Contributed by Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City