04-03-2025
‘Tremendous resource': Woman recognized in West Carrollton for helping homeless
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — A local woman was recently recognized by the West Carrollton Police Department for her generosity and kindness to people in need.
During the Feb. 25 West Carrollton City Council Meeting, West Carrollton police recognized Kathi Parker with the Citizen Recognition Award. Private citizens are awarded the CRA for their achievement or action that benefits the community or department in an exceptional manner.
According to the department, Parker has operated the South Dayton Emergency Response Team for roughly 6 years. The SDERT provides assistance to individuals and families who are in need or crisis, especially those who are homeless or their place of living is damaged or destroyed.
During the 2024 Christmas season, Parker's organization collected and distributed gifts and household items for over 150 families, which includes 447 children. SDERT also provided places for people who are in need places to stay outside of the cold.
Parker is said to distribute food from restaurants and private donors to the homeless population. She also frequently gives warm clothes, socks and shoes to those in need.
According to police, the SDERT distributed the following on a single day in November 2024:
420 packages of hand and foot warmers
139 hats and pairs of gloves
76 homeless bags with emergency food and toiletries
42 blankets
30 scarves
23 coats
19 boxes of food
7 tents
2 sleeping bags
The organization's operator was also recently contacted by Sub Zero Mission in northern Ohio, a nonprofit group which helps homeless, especially veterans, stay warm. SZM contacted Parker wanting to partner with her, as they heard what her organization has been doing and called her a 'tremendous resource' to the community, according to police.
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