Help the Homeless Walkathon

Last Saturday was another great day on the National Mall for members of the Junior League of Washington and thousands of DC area residents who came together to support the 24th annual Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon. This year's Walkathon drew an estimated crowd of 10,000 walkers, including many JLW members who walked with, and in support of, several of our community partners including Calvary Women's Services, N Street Village, Bright Beginnings, and Doorways for Women and Families.

It was a chilly morning but the brisk weather reminded us that many in our community struggle to survive in far colder temperatures than were present on Saturday. The route took us from the National Mall down Independence Avenue, around the Tidal Basin, and back to a crowd of cheering supporters on the National Mall. It was great to see so much diversity along the way.

The facts are staggering. Nearly 12,000 people in the Washington DC area are homeless, 40% of which are families, and 25% are children. This important annual event has raised more than $85 million for homeless service providers, including many of our community partners, who work hard to prevent and end homelessness in our community.

As we spend Thanksgiving reflecting on our many blessings, we should all be thankful to be part of a community that truly cares about the least fortunate among us.

Piper
JLW Member