Trevor Ferrell (born 1972) is an American citizen who, as a young teenager, caught the public's eye for his efforts to assist homeless people.[1] He startedTrevor’s Campaign for the Homeless in 1983, when he was 11 years old.[2] On December 8, 1983, he watched a news program on street people. This prompted him to ask his parents, Frank and Janet Ferrell, how he could help. They drove their son into Philadelphia that night to give bedding to a homeless man who was sleeping on the sidewalk in front of theUnion League inCenter City.[3] He and his parents later established a homeless shelter,Trevor's Place.[4] His parents also authored a book, also calledTrevor's Place, to further describe the actions thus accomplished, with a plea for further action. It was published in 1985.[5]
Trevor Farrell's work was recognized by PresidentRonald Reagan in the President's 1986State of the Union address.[6][7] A TV movie dramatizing the shelter's activities, titledChristmas on Division Street, aired in 1991. It featured actorFred Savage as Trevor.[8] A 1994 episode of the seriesLifestories: Families in Crisis, titledBrotherly Love: The Trevor Ferrell Story, also described his efforts.[9]
He attendedLinden Hill School inNorthfield, Massachusetts.[10]
When Ferrell was 18, the family discontinued its efforts in the campaign. Ferrell currently works for theUnited Parcel Service and runs a thrift shop onLancaster Avenue in Philadelphia.[3]
In 1985, Ferrell received the Samuel S. Beard Award for Greatest Public Service by an Individual 35 Years or Under, an award given out annually byJefferson Awards.[11]
Trevor Ferrell+Trevor's Place.