VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Standup for Kids Hampton Roads is hosting a ‘Walk and Chalk’ event at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital on Wednesday.
The Walk and Chalk is a unique push to raise awareness for youth homelessness in the area. Patients and supporters are encouraged to stop by Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 27.
“We would love to cover these sidewalks and positive messages for the kids,” said Nicole Pixler, Stand up for Kids Hampton Roads Executive Director.
The nonprofit organization offers emergency housing for people between the ages of 18 to 24 in its program, and also helps them find jobs and housing.
Pixler said there are more homeless teens now than ever. While at the chalk walk on Tuesday, there was a special moment right before 10 On Your Side started recording.
“One of my kids from about seven years ago just happened to be at the hospital and opened her door and said, Miss Nicole, do you remember me? And I don’t ever forget one of my kids. So yes, it just kind of comes full circle. We’re here to raise awareness, but she was here for something else, and remembered me after all these years, and how much we did for her,” said Pixler, with tears in her eyes.
Earlier this month, Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer announced an Proclamation acknowledging November as National Youth Homeless Awareness Month.
“It’s getting cold, right? Nobody wants to think about kids in their backyards, but it’s a very real problem, and it’s uncomfortable, and it needs to be talked about, because with uncomfortably brings change,” said Pixler.
Learn more about this campaign on their website here.