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Local group goes out of their way to help the homeless in Cleveland

Posted at 4:46 PM, Nov 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-24 16:59:08-05

A local group is stepping outside the box and is doing some different to be a part of the giving spirit this holiday season. 

April Thompson goes to where some of Cleveland's most vulnerable population. Thompson and her group, 'Shoulder to Shoulder' are going the extra mile. 

“We have some thanksgiving food if you need a meal," Thompson said, as she walked around tent city, an area where many homeless make their shelters, with her hands full of meals to give away.

"We just stand with the community shoulder to shoulder, and try to help out wherever we can," she said.

Her non-profit organization ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ has been out today driving and walking around, doing what they call "street feed."

“We just take the meals around...we just try to have a conversation, a kind word, have something warm to eat," Thompson said.

Roaming around, finding the spots where many homeless campout, she told me it's all about meeting them where they’re at.

“There are people with health issues or people who have mental issues that are scared of the public and don't want to come out, so yeah we do go down to tent city and try to go tent to tent," she explained.

And being acknowledged for her boots on the ground approach is the last thing on her mind.

“We all should be doing this...it's what you're supposed to do, is to help each other, so I just feel like I'm doing what I'm supposed to do."

This year marks the fourth year the organization has done their Street Feed event. They frequently pass out meals, clothes and other needs to the homeless throughout the year as well.