HELP THE HOMELESS

All information from this blog was taken from http://www.helpthehomelessdc.org/site/c.plI4IcNWJyE/b.2699643/k.D6AC/Welcome_to_the_National_Help_the_Homeless_Web_Site.htm
It provides a lot of really great information on ways that you can help out with people in your own community. Take some time for someone other than yourself this year, help change a life around.

What is the Help the Homeless Program?

The national mission of the Help the Homeless Program is to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness and to increase resources for organizations working to prevent and end homelessness. The Help the Homeless Program fosters volunteerism in service to homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless.

In 1988, Fannie Mae created the Help the Homeless Program to respond to the growing needs of homeless people in the Washington metropolitan area. The Program - a fund-raising and awareness-raising effort - culminates each year in the Help the Homeless Walkathon on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the Saturday before Thanksgiving. In 2007, the Help the Homeless Program, which has become the largest funding collaborative in the nation focused on homelessness, marks its 20th year. To date, the effort has raised more than $62.5 million for local nonprofit organizations that serve homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless.
To mark the 20th Annual Help the Homeless Program, organizers will expand it to support events in additional cities across the country. On Saturday, November 17, 2007, there will be Help the Homeless events in Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, and Seattle in addition to Washington, D.C. Please click on the name of a city to the left to learn more about the various events and activities happening across the country.

Who is Homeless?

On any given day in the United States, there are approximately 754,000 homeless men, women, and children. That total includes people who are living on the streets, staying in shelters, or living in transitional housing.

How Can I Help?

One way you can show your support is by participating in one of the Help the Homeless Program events being held across the country. Click on the name of a city to the left to learn more. If there is not an event being held in your area or if you would like to do something to help now, there are hundreds of local homeless service providers across the country that would appreciate your support. If you want to volunteer or make a donation, please contact a homeless service provider in your area.