News and Notes from Around the Region - June & July 2009

In the news:

• These Boots were made for walking: In impressive and inspiring fashion 11 year old Zach Bonner walked 1,225 from his hometown of Tampa, Florida to Washington D.C. to raise awareness of homlessness. He arrived in town July 9th on behalf of Little Red Wagon Foundation with a red wagon full of letters written by children addressed to the President. He spent his time in the city on the steps of the Capitol speaking about the issue of homelessness nation wide and sleeping at the Sasha Bruce emergency shelter for kids in Northeast DC. A kid like this should be commended and supported for his efforts.

• To find out more about the Sasha Bruce House in Northeast DC click here.

• Kicking for the Goal: In Washington D.C. from July 31 - Aug 2 the organization Street Soccer USA will be hosting an event known as the 2009 Street Soccer USA Cup. They will host teams from 16 cities to determine the United States National Street Soccer Champion as well as trials for an 8 person team that will represent the United States in Milan, Italy for the Homeless World Cup. Street Soccer USA attempts to bring soccer to the most marginalized members of our society and instill in them a sense of worth and commitment.

• Street Soccer USA is looking for voluteers and donations to make this even a success. To read more about the 2009 Street Soccer USA Cup click here.

• The District has been given $7.4 Million dollars in federal stimulus money to aid the homeless population. As the Washington Post points out the number of homeless families in Washington DC has increased 20% over the past year balloning to 703 families with more than 1,400 children. The money is earmarked for families that face eviction in 2 weeks time and residents in soon to be condemned locations. It also is targeted to people whose income has decreased due to the economy and whose utility bills have skyrocketed.

News and Notes from Around the Region - May 2009

The issue of homelessness in the National Capitol Region has many facets. In order to be effective in dealing with the issue it is important to know what is currently being done by the district and surrounding locals. This is why we'll be updating this blog occasionally with news and notes we have found dealing with homelessness in the region.

By no means a clearinghouse of complete information, Be The Change in DC hopes to pose issues for further discussion amongst your co-workers, friends, family etc. We also hope to propose service projects geared toward allowing those in the metropolitan region to become involved with solutions to the problem of homelessness in and around Washington DC.

Of note this month:

1) The Maryland Examiner reports that the state of Maryland has signed into law a bill making it a hate crime to attack the homeless. Various homeless advocates have indicated that homeless persons are often attacked simply due to their vulnerability. As the bill goes into effect Oct 1 of this year it is important to consider if a bill such as this should be emulated in other locals such as the District of Columbia or Virginia?

3) The Washington Post reports that the Metropolitan Washington Council's new data suggests number of homelessness families in the Washington region has increased 15% this year. Due to the economic downturn, the unemployment rate and the already high cost of housing in the area families are hardest hit. This is not just a local trend but is happening nationwide as families continue to struggle to make ends meet.

2) The First Lady was seen at Miriam's Kitchen this week spooning out meals to homeless persons in the District. How AWESOME is that!!!! See her remarks about the importance of getting involved. Modeling volunteerism for our nation is not only commendable but necessary. Be The Change in DC provides young adults in the DC area a chance to engage the community in volunteering. Come out to our Water Bottle Distribution Event this June and inspire others to do the same!!!!!

Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon This Saturday!

Be the Change in DC (BTCDC) is participating in the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon and on behalf of BTCDC, I would like to invite you to join the team. To join us on Saturday, follow the Team Page link here: http://www.helpthehomelessdc.org/site/TR/Events/General?team_id=8878&pg=team&fr_id=1000&et=bqmX9PdJNgsOEEd9ZWedOw..&s_tafId=3880
Enter "BTCDC" as the team
password when requested.

BTCDC is in the process of obtaining its 501(c) 3 status and could not be named an official beneficiary organization for the Walk. However, SOME (So Others Might Eat) is a terrific organization that shares our commitment to helping the homeless and we have chosen to direct our proceeds to them.

Fannie Mae's Help the Homeless Program is a community-wide program to raise funds and awareness in support of beneficiary organizations that work to prevent and end homelessness. This Program spans several months, culminating in the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless 5K Walkathon on the National Mall on Saturday, November 22, 2008. The Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Program has grown into the nation's largest fundraising event benefiting the homeless.

You can make a difference by joining our team and participating in Fannie Mae's Help the Homeless Walkathon on November 22, 2008!