Homelessness, will host the 2008 Help the Homeless Walk scheduled for
Saturday morning, November 22 to raise awareness for the homelessness
crisis in Mecklenburg County. The event is in concert with the 21st
annual Help the Homeless event in Washington, D.C., a part of the
national effort to raise awareness of the homeless.
Registration for the three-mile walk begins at 8:30 a.m. at 500-A
Spratt Street in front of Crisis Assistance Ministry or participants
can register in advance at www.awayhome.org. The walk will begin at
10 a.m. Other activities and entertainment, as well as a soup kitchen
lunch, will be available to everyone from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on
Spratt Street.
According to Chris Wolf, the executive director of A Way Home, the
purpose of this walk is to heighten awareness of the homeless
population in our region, particularly as we go into the winter months
during these tough economic times.
In its fourth year in Charlotte, the Help the Homeless Walk also
includes The Homeless Services Network that supports our community's
homeless population through outreach services, assessment, emergency
shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and
supportive services intended to help people overcome personal issues
that contribute to their homeless. This network is a coalition of
agencies and organizations delivering services to persons who are
homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and those who have a stake in
the prevention and reduction of homelessness.
"A donation of $10 is recommended for adults and teens to participate
in the walk, said Wolf. "And there is no charge for children under 12
years of age. We also ask that everyone leaves their pets at home,"
he added.
Teams of walkers from different organizations, companies, agencies'
clients and the faith-based community will be participating in the
event. Last year the walk added the "Project Homeless Connect" to help
homeless individuals connect to those services available to them. This
year the program has been expanded by the organization Sisters Act
Incorporated who have recruited individuals to provide dental
assistance, health screenings, haircuts and grooming, as well as
clothing and shoes to assist those who need these immediate services
at the event.
Sponsors to date for the event include: Fannie Mae, Apartment Realty
Advisors, LFS Carolinas, Mercer, Paul E. Finnen & Associates,
SocialServe.com, Crisis Assistance Ministry, Mecklenburg County Parks
and Recreation and Mecklenburg County.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities and participating
in the 2008 Help the Homeless Walk, please contact A Way Home at
704-347-3646 or visit their web site at www.awayhome.org.
