(Homer) - Representative Paul Seaton will host a legislative teleconference next Wednesday, August 20th from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Homer Legislative Information Office located at 345 West Sterling Highway. This is a public meeting intended to generate ideas on how to help homeless children and teenagers living on the Kenai Peninsula. Members of CACH (Child Advocacy Coalition of Homer) will be present, as well as Lori Namyniuk from the Anchorage branch of the Covenant House and Doug Letch, Chief of Staff for Senator Gary Stevens.

"Children without homes are a significant issue in many of the towns in our district. We are sponsoring this district-wide teleconference to see what strategies have worked in other places. This meeting will give communities the opportunity to discuss possible solutions to the rising numbers of kids without homes," said Representative Seaton.

Members of CACH were essential in raising Representative Seaton's awareness of this growing problem; the group has been working on this issue for several years. "CACH is a group of individuals and agency representatives that has been meeting for some time concerning youth issues in the Homer area. We are collaborating on projects for graduating seniors and housing options for homeless teens," said Sharon Whytal, CACH member. CACH's mission is "to share information and resources, foster discussion, and promote solutions pertinent to the needs of the youth in our community through collaboration for sustainability, dissemination of information and education, activities and legislative action."

Anyone who is considering becoming a foster parent is encouraged to attend, as well as other individuals who are concerned about the homeless children in our area.

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