The City of Wheeling, in conjunction with many area social service agencies, will host a Fall Festival for members of the homeless population from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 13 at Heritage Port. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be re-located to the lobby of WesBanco Arena.

Homeless Liaison Melissa Adams explained the festival will provide homeless individuals the opportunity to learn about and access numerous resources and services available to them all in one place.

“In addition to providing some guidance on services available to our most vulnerable citizens, the participating vendors are being asked to provide giveaways that will assist these individuals,” she said, adding games and food will also be a part of the festival.

Suggested items include tarps, flashlights, batteries, ponchos, toboggans, gloves, umbrellas, blankets, hand warmers, sleeping bags, canvas bags and socks.

To date, participating agencies and businesses include the following: Youth Services Systems; Project Freedom; Soup Kitchen; Wheeling Housing Authority; Project ID from YWCA; Helping Heroes; Catholic Charities; WesBanco; Legal Aid; City of Wheeling’s Human Rights Commission; Aetna Better Health West Virginia; and State Farm.

Those wishing to become a vendor the Fall Festival should contact Adams at (304) 234-3610.