Santa Rosa gathering to raise awareness of homeless youth

Hundreds of people are expected to gather at Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa at 5:30 p.m Friday for an annual "Dream Walk" to raise awareness about youth homelessness.

Social Advocates for Youth is hosting the walk in which participants will be given a serving of soup and a small light before departing for a 15-minute walk around downtown. Participants will be invited to a screening at 3rd Street Cinemas of photographer Erik Castro's nine-minute film "Anything Helps," about three local homeless young people.

The price of admission is a new pair of socks.

"This is a huge opportunity to raise awareness, talk to people about it and open people's minds up," said Caitlin Childs, SAY spokeswoman. "It's really geared at getting people out in the cold to give people a hint of what it's like to be out in the street."