What does the word “homeless” really mean? 
   Does it mean that over 1,300 school age children were reported homeless through three of our four school districts? Does it mean over 1,500 meals are served monthly at the Willa Gill center? Does it mean that over 15,000 calls come into the homeless shelter hotline seeking shelter, and 24 percent of them are from Wyandotte County where only 43 beds are available? Does it mean that the average age of homelessness is 7 years of age?
   It means all of these things. During these trying economic times these needs are not decreasing. How many families are only a paycheck away from facing the potential of homelessness?
   The Wyandotte Homeless Services Coalition is holding PJ Day in KCK on Nov. 19 to give the community a chance to be a part of the solution. 
   Even when our resources are not great, we have come together as a community to help others. 
   The donations raised on the 19th will help pay for operating expenses at a new shelter, and any additional funds will be used toward ongoing and future shelter opportunities in our county. 
   Schools, businesses, organizations and individuals will be asked to donate money in exchange for wearing pajamas to work or school. Residents will be asked to wear pajamas to show support for those in our community that have no home or bed to wear pajamas at night. 
   PJ Day is an activity that has helped the Denver community raise over $2 million dollars in the last four years to fight homelessness. We are looking forward to this becoming an annual event in KCK to address homelessness and help to reduce the numbers of families who wonder each night where they will sleep.
   Mayor Joe Reardon has set aside Friday, Nov. 19, as PJ Day in KCK. Participation can go on anywhere during the day but that evening there will be the Mayor's Pajama Party from 5-8 p.m. at the Salvation Army Harbor Lights Village, 6723 State.  To help with the effort, call Atif Abdel Khaliq, coordinator of the Wyandotte Homeless Coalition at 913-573-5120 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .   
   Unified Government Commissioner Pat Huggins Pettey is chairman of the Wyandotte County Homeless Coalition.