CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Latisha Leftwich thought she would never be homeless. Then she experienced a series of financial setbacks and had no choice but to live on the streets and in shelters for more than two years, she said.

Leftwich, of Charleston, is now a homeowner who's fortunate enough to give back to those who helped her. And she's quick to warn others who think they are safeguarded from homelessness.

"It can strike anytime and it can strike anyone," Leftwich said. "Homelessness does not discriminate."

Leftwich and others volunteered with the Kanawha Valley Collective's annual "One Night Without a Home" event Thursday at Magic Island. It was held during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

Volunteer Stephanie Hyre said the event was held to raise awareness about homelessness by asking participants to camp out overnight. Free food, hot chocolate and a bonfire were offered to anyone who wanted it.

Those who camped outside experienced what about 800 West Virginians go through without a home every night, she said.

"It's not a problem that we're so far removed from that it can't happen to us," Hyre said. "A lot of us got a small taste of what that's like when the electricity went out a few weeks ago."

Hyre said homelessness is affecting a growing number of families who are struggling to find work in the Kanawha Valley.

Joe Barker and his daughter, Alicia Leyda, both of Charleston, said they never thought homelessness would affect them like it did.

Barker is a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War who had a home and car before going homeless a few years ago. Leyda was a student at Marshall University when she hit rock bottom.

Together, they sought help with Kanawha Valley Collective programs and Charleston shelters to get on their feet. Leyda, a mother of two, said seeking help gave her children a future. They are both taking classes at Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College.

Barker said sometimes homeless people are afraid to seek help, especially veterans who are returning from overseas.

"Don't look as it as a handout. It's a 'hand-up,'" he said.

But there's a stigma about homelessness, said volunteer Felicia Roark. Many Charleston residents go out of their way to avoid those living on the street.

"People don't even acknowledge them," she said. "People can just smile and say 'hi' to people and it could change someone's life. It can give them hope."

Roark and fellow volunteer Jennifer Starcher handed out bags and other items Friday night. They had planned to visit known homeless campgrounds around the city.

Noah, of Charleston, said he's been living under a bridge along the Kanawha River near Spring Street for two months. He and nine others live in a makeshift campsite, he said.

"We try to watch out for one another," Noah said, "and bring back food for those that can't get out and get it for themselves."

Homeless people, he said, are just like anybody else who have just fallen on hard times.

Reach Travis Crum at travis.c...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5163.