Mecklenburg -
Charlotte, N.C. - The non-profit A Way Home will host the 2009 Hope
for the Homeless Awareness Walk scheduled for Saturday morning,
November 21 to raise awareness for the homeless population in
Mecklenburg County. There are an estimate 8,000+ homeless people in
Mecklenburg County, including over 2,400 school-aged children.
Registration for the three-mile walk begins at 9:30 a.m. at 500 Spratt
Street in front of Crisis Assistance Ministry. Participants can also
register in advance at www.awayhome.org. Pre-registration is
recommended. Activities begin at 9:30 and the Walk will begin at 10:30
a.m. Other activities and entertainment, as well as a soup kitchen
lunch, will be available to everyone until 1:00 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. The event also is scheduled to
correspond to the 2009 National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
presented by the National Coalition for the Homeless.
The Walk is a partnership with the Homeless Services Network that
supports our community's homeless population through outreach
services, assessment, emergency shelter, transitional housing,
permanent 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 12 years
of age and under. Bring the family, but please leave 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.
For more information about the 2009 Hope for the Homeless
Awareness Walk, please contact A Way Home at 980 219 2327 or visit
their web site at www.awayhome.org.
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