Two events next week in Traverse City will shine the light on the issue of local homeless youth in recognition of Homeless Awareness Week.

On Wed., Nov. 18, several community members have agreed to go to "jail" at The Little Fleet in support of the local Homeless Youth Program. Each will have a box that will have to be filled with basic essentials before they will be released. Participants include Tina Zinn of The Cheese Lady TC, City Commissioner Gary Howe, Chuck Korson of BLK MKT, Nate Crane & Tina Schuett of Rare Bird, and Gary Jonas of The Little Fleet. The event runs from 5-8pm, and items participants need to collect include: sleeping bags, blankets (twin or larger), pillows, towels, boots & gloves (waterproof), BATA passes and gift cards. More info here.

The following evening, Thurs., Nov. 19, the Traverse City Human Rights Commission is sponsoring a forum on "Young and Homeless." The forum, which takes place from 7-8:30pm at the Garfield Charter Township Hall (3848 Veterans Dr.), will explore the underlying issues and pervasiveness of youth homelessness in northwest lower Michigan. Panelists include Shenandoah Chefalo, author of "Garbage Bag Suitcase"; Nichole Dilloway, youth services supervisor for Child and Family Services/Third Level; Abby Jordan, with Traverse City Area Public Schools and the Students in Transition Empowerment Program (STEP), along with a graduate of the STEP program. The public is welcome to attend.