FOREWORD

For many, a shelter is a place where you are free to live your life and vent out your frustrations. Your shelter could be a hobby, a place, or a person. However, in the case of several pieces throughout this issue, shelter can cause disconnect. For example, in Jenna Nesky’s Goat Farm, the speaker does not feel at home. On the other hand, in Devon Reown’s Pomegranate Tea, the speaker feels sheltered by their friends. Or even in Aldrin Badiola’s The Thousands of Islands, shelter is an indefinite place.

CHARM: Shelter aspires to be a safe space for Baltimore youth to discuss how they live and feel comfortable.

In this issue, CHARM: Voices of Baltimore Youth invites you to explore your definition of shelter. So pick up a cup of pomegranate tea and get ready to enjoy!