Every year 600,000 families with 1.35 million children experience homelessness in the United States. These families make up about 50 percent of the homeless population. On any given night 195,827 veterans are without housing in the United States.
In the Washington DC metropolitan area more than 12,000 people are homeless. Families make up more than 30% of this total.
Additionally, there are approximately 2,500 veterans homeless in our community. Due to the hard economic times, these numbers are increasing at a far greater rate than in the past.
JHP’s day programs provide services in five homeless and domestic violence shelters in Washington DC and Prince Georges County. We also operate three shelters where we provide 24/7 supervision, meals, and wrap-around services. In spite of the economic downturn, we are still exceeding our 2009 goals to get homeless people out of the streets, into shelters, and ultimately into stable housing and employment. However, this year we are facing our greatest budgetary crisis because of the current economic conditions and related spike in demand for services. The Help the Homeless Walkathon is the perfect opportunity for you to help make a difference.
The Help the Homeless Program began in 1988. The Program culminates each year with 5K walk around the National Mall, held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The Walkathon has raised more than $75 million for nonprofit organizations in the Washington DC metropolitan area that serve homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless. The Walkathon has become the nation’s largest fund-raising collaboration focused on homelessness. The Walkathon raises awareness of homelessness and supports organizations like JHP that are working to prevent and end homelessness in the Washington DC metropolitan area.
Last year, more than 16,000 walkers participated in the Walkathon. The Program raised $5.6 million to benefit 164 Washington metropolitan area homeless service providers, which provide safe, decent housing and social services to assist homeless families and individuals in the region. For more information about the program, check out: www.helpthehomelessdc.org.
Over the past 14 years, the Walkathon has been JHP largest fundraising event. Last year, JHP raised $6875 through the Walkathon. We hope that you, your friends, and your family will join us in making this our most successful year!
The walk is on Saturday, November 21, starting at 8:30am. We’ll provide the coffee! The registration cost is $25 for adults, and $15 for youths (aged 25 and below). Pets and strollers are welcome on the walk!
Registration is easy. Just click this link: http://register4JHP.notlong.com, which will take you to JHP’s entry on the www.helpthehomelessdc.org registration page. Select your registration fee amount, and make an additional donation if you wish. The next page will take your credit card information, after which you will be part of Team JHP! If you prefer to register by mail please print and fill out the following form. Registration Form
100% of your walker registration fee, and any additional funds you raise, go to supporting JHP in the fight to end homelessness. All registration fees and donations are tax-deductible.
If you are unable to join us in the walk, please consider sponsoring Team JHP as a great way to still participate in the effort to help Homeless people find permanent residences and employment. Donations can easily be made online or by mail. To donate online, simply click http://supportJHP.notlong.com/ and click on the “Donate to JHP” button. 100% of your donation goes to support JHP in the fight to prevent and end homelessness. All donations are tax-deductible.
Don’t hesitate to contact us at (202) 544-9128 if you have any questions!
Walk-day Schedule
7:00 a.m. Registration opens
8:30 a.m. Pre-Walkathon program begins on the National Mall. We will be meeting under the JHP Banner.
Location
The Walkathon starts on the National Mall between 7th and 14th Streets, and takes the following 5K route:
