Be the Change in DC

Be the Change in DC (BTCDC) helps the less fortunate through events, both social and service in nature, that are meant to give the general public a new perspective on the very people that they may walk by and ignore on a daily basis. By personally handing out much needed items to the homeless, Be the Change in DC’s volunteers interact with the homeless and see them in a different light. In helping out the homeless, BTCDC does not want compete with existing organizations, but rather work with them to fill in the gaps of taking a homeless person off the streets. We have partnered with organizations such as So Other Might Eat (SOME), the Shelter Hotline and Community Voice Mail to accomplish our goals.

In serving the community, our goal is to help the homeless get back on their feet and educate the general public on homelessness.

07
May
2009

News and Notes from Around the Region - May 2009

| author: T. Benjamin Anderson

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!!!!!

0 comments
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
 

©2009 Be the Change in DC Blog | Template Blue by TNB