CLEARLAKE – Clearlake community leaders are coming together to form a group to combat the mounting problem of homelessness in the city and county.

City Council member Joyce Overton is helping to lead the effort, which also will include a summit on the homeless issue..

According to Overton, the local homeless problem is growing.

Due to the country’s economic situation homelessness is hitting families who previously had a home of their own and the problem is increasing. And with foreclosures rising in our county homelessness will only continue to get worse, she said.

Overton said there are a few places for the homeless to go to receive food, but there is no place for most to sleep where it is warm, since there has been no shelter established in the community.

A few in the community have been guardian angels and have provided a place to sleep and stay warm by paying for a hotel room for the night or providing blankets, gloves, tarps and more – but Overton said it isn't enough.

The community is asked to come together as part of a call to action. Overton said a drive called “Warm for the Winter” has been established locally to help those in dire need.

Community members are asked to drop off gloves, socks (which are needed the most), stocking caps, ear muffs, coats, blankets and anything else that would help keep people warm.

Drop off points and monetary donations can be delivered to the Lake County Community Agency. (LCCAA), located behind Foods Etc.; Calvary Church, 14330 Memory Lane, behind the laundromat on Olympic; and Church of the Nazarene, 15917 Olympic Dr., corner of Olympic and Hwy 53.

Monetary donations are welcomed in the form of checks made out to LCCAA; be sure to put the purpose of your donation on the check.

Become a community leader by joining the homeless summit. For more information please call City Council member Joyce Overton at 350-2898.

{mos_sb_discuss:2}