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Community Corner

Peter Yarrow to Perform At HEAR US Event for Homeless Children

[Naperville, IL, April 4,
2014] Peter Yarrow, of the legendary folk trio Peter,
Paul and Mary
, will perform in Aurora, IL on May 8 for a civil rights gathering, the 20th Anniversary of Charlie’s Bill, the Illinois
Education for Homeless Children Act.



Diane Nilan, president of HEAR US Inc.,
the national nonprofit sponsoring the May 8 event, describes the importance of
that law, “The one sentiment emphatically echoed over the past twenty years: ‘I
am so glad I (my children) can go to school.’ For homeless students, that
universal experience is not to be taken for granted.”  Passage of the law
was the result of a courageous mother from Aurora who fought when her three
children were denied school because of homelessness.  A small group of
activists 20 years ago successfully led Illinois to be first state to guarantee
educational rights to homeless students. The law has been expanded on a federal
level, applying to all public schools.



“How did you get Peter
Yarrow to agree to come?” is a question Nilan hears often. This lifetime Peter,
Paul and Mary devotee, has met Yarrow on a number of occasions. “I suspected
that few beyond our circle would grasp the importance of the milestone of
millions of homeless kids being able to attend school,” she observed. “So I
asked and he agreed.” His presence is the spark needed to highlight the issue
of soaring poverty and homelessness among families and youth.

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Using the image of Charlie,
a small homeless boy whose iconic image was captured by photojournalist Pat Van
Doren, the group lobbied to remove common barriers experienced by homeless
students. The bill passed in May 1994 and became the model for national
legislation.



The latest U.S. Department of Education data illustrates
the drastic increase in homelessness identified in public schools. A record 1.2
million students were identified as homeless, a 72% increase since 2007. That
doesn’t include babies, toddlers, teens not attending school, or parents.

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The May 8 event will be a
combination songfest and inspiration for attendees. Organizers will pay tribute
to those who have steadfastly upheld rights for homeless students to attend
school. And they will issue the challenge to increase advocacy efforts on
behalf of homeless families and youth, many of whom are not considered
“homeless enough” to merit assistance, Nilan said.



The public is invited to
attend the gathering which begins at 6:30 with substantial hors d’ oeuvres by
noted area chefs Francois and Betsy Sanchez. Suggested donation is $10,
proceeds will benefit HEAR US Inc. More information, http://hearus.us.

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