Lifelong Clairton resident John Hodish and three supporters plan to walk 230 miles to the White House to bring to light what he calls the inequalities plaguing his beloved city.
"Our educational systems are poor, public transportation in the inner city has been cut, and lots of people don't have cars and can't get to work," said Hodish, 50, director of business affairs for the Clairton Community Outreach Program.
On Saturday, Hodish, program director Tristan Geletko, program counselor James MacKiskill and Clairton Boxing Club trainer, the Rev. Sheldon Stoudemire, will begin their six-day "March for the Next Generation."
Hodish hopes publicity from the walk -- news conferences are planned along the way -- will raise money for the community outreach program, a volunteer-run organization that helps people with drug and alcohol problems by providing counseling and activities. The program also serves up to 50 children daily who visit its Large Avenue facility to box at the club, sing in a choir or participate in ROTC.
Democratic state committeewoman and former Clairton resident Ruth Pastore helped financially with the march.
"I like what John is doing. The kids have nothing in that town, and the area is depressed. My heart is still in Clairton," said Pastore, a former member of council who is still a member of its crime watch group.
According to the 2000 census, 15.4 percent of families and 19.5 percent of Clairton residents live below the poverty line, largely because of the collapse of the steel industry. About 7,800 people live in Clairton, about 13 miles southwest of Pittsburgh.
Hodish said the group expects to reach Washington on Aug. 13 and hopes to meet with U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Forest Hills. The group has a package for President Obama that contains a plaque, information about the Clairton Community Outreach Program and letters from children who live in Clairton.
"I think they have an excellent idea," said state Rep. Bill Kortz, D-Dravosburg, who, like Pastore, provided the group with a monetary donation. "This will help raise awareness on the subject and raise awareness about the city of Clairton."
