Paul W. Hamann, president of The Night Ministry, Mayor Richard M.Daley, and Ed Shurna, executive director of the Chicago Coalition for theHomeless, enjoy poetry by members of the H.E.L.L.O. group. (Photo by Jasmine Heiss)

On Nov. 16, the H.E.L.L.O. homeless youth activism group held its 5th Annual "Art Show and Speak Out" in the city's Lakeview neighborhood. Co-founded by the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and The Night Ministry, the youth group organizes and empowers homeless youth to become active and involved in the issues that affect their lives. Homeless and recently homeless youth displayed visual arts, performed poetry, participated in an African drum chorus, and gave testimony about their struggle to survive on the streets.

More than 150 guests and community members were in attendance, including a special appearance by Mayor Daley. The mayor spoke about how the issue of homeless youth is all of our problem and something we can solve together.

Below is a sample of the poetry performed during the art show. It illustrates the hope and promise of these youth despite having no real place to call home.

CCH congratulates all the young artists and performers for a successful evening.

Welcome Me Adulthood
by Takeo Bailey

Welcome me, Adulthood, I have ventured
through childhood with all the wonders and dangers in it.

I have placed my childhood fantasies aside,
and picked up hopes of becoming who I want to be.

Embrace me knowledge,
I am ready to know more and add to what I know already.
I have conquered my fear of the night,
now I only fear becoming nothing.
I have stopped pretending to be what I thought I was going to be,
and realized that I am only what I make of myself.

I have come down from the land of make-believe,
And I have found the strength to believe in me.
So when I come upon you, open your arms,
and welcome me, Adulthood,
for I am headed your way.

-- Beth Cunningham, Youth Attorney