Green Country 7 Year Old Uses Art To Help Homeless

A Green Country first grader is using her skillful hand to help the homeless. McAlester's Hope House is where homeless women and children go to get back on their feet, and Chloe Wall is putting her heart into her drawings to help to bring those families hope.

"Yes, it just comes to me when I'm doing it," said the 7-year-old.

With a marker in hand, Chloe is on a mission to make a difference.

"I just think that if I make lots of creations, then, I would probably help," said Chloe.

An entire wall at the Hope House is covered in the 7-year-old's artwork.

The Hope House is a faith-based shelter that has helped nearly a thousand homeless women and children since it opened in 2009.

"We're actually the only homeless shelter of our kind in a 50 mile radius," Case Manager, Jessica Gregg said.

It's more than just a shelter, Gregg said; it's a program giving women, down on their luck, a second chance.

"We want to teach them skills to better themselves, beyond just going and getting a job, and getting a house, because being able to sustain those things is the problem," said Gregg.

Women can stay there as long as they need, as long as they're showing growth and progress.

"Whether that is through fellowship, attending church services, we can see growth in character and that can constitute enough reason to be able to stay here while they better themselves," Gregg said.

The program survives solely off donations and Gregg said it usually only has enough money in the bank to make it about three months.

That's where Chloe and her drawings come in. Her mom serves on the board, so Chloe's seen quite a bit at Hope House and understands even more.

"They kind of need hope to find new homes," Chloe said. "It made me feel like I needed to do something to help."

Helping is exactly what Chloe's doing. She's selling her art and donating what she makes to the Hope House.

When asked how much her art was going for, Chloe said, "All different prices, I think. I'm not sure how much yet. My mom said we take checks."

Some are done in pencil, others colored with crayons, then, there are the sparkly pieces that really catch the eye.

"I had a lot of glue and a lot of glitter," Chloe said.

Shining brighter than the pictures is the purpose behind them; an idea Chloe had all on her own.

"I think that maybe if I made some money, that would help a lot and a lot," the young artist said.

"An idea to raise money for people she sees as less fortunate, that's a big heart in a little girl," said Gregg.

Since there's no set price for Chloe's pieces, Gregg said donors could pick a price.

If you'd like to buy one of Chloe's drawings, or just donate to the Hope House, you can do so by calling (918) 423-4673 or stopping by or mailing a check to the non-profit at 1210 E. Cherokee Ave, McAlester, OK 74507.

You can also learn more online.