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.