2nd Annual Help the Homeless Walk A Thon in Downtown Dallas

DALLAS, TX (OCTOBER 10, 2008) – Fannie Mae, Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance (MDHA) and the City of Dallas are pleased to host the 2^nd Annual Help the Homeless WalkAThon, which will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2008.  Located at City Hall Plaza in Downtown Dallas, the WalkAThon begins at 10:00AM and concludes with a concert by Nuttin’ But Stringz, finalists in the third season of NBC’s America’s Got Talent.  The young brothers, who are violinists, will electrify audiences with their unique blend of classical music, hip-hop, jazz and R&B.

Proceeds from this year’s WalkAThon will be used to support the creation of more permanent supportive housing units, a proven solution to ending chronic homelessness. The City of Dallas plan calls for the development of 1,200 additional units of permanent supportive housing during the next five years.  A prime example is CityWalk@Akard, which will offer housing, retail and office space beginning in Spring 2009. 

Assisting the homeless is one of the most effective means we have to help them become more active and meaningful members of this vibrant city.  Versus shelters that operate on an emergency basis, supportive housing provides long-term solutions centered on individuals, not a pipeline.  It allows homeless individuals to make lasting changes in their lives by providing the ultimate symbol of dignity; the safety, security and pride of having a place to call home.  By empowering the homeless, we continue to empower our community. 

Whether you walk as an individual, a corporate team, or a group, you can make a significant difference.  Last year, more than 1,200 participants put their soles into helping the chronic homeless in Dallas, raising more than $200,000.

Those wishing to walk in support of the chronic homeless, please visit www.HelpTheHomelessDallas.org or call Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance 214/670-1144.  For event sponsorship information or corporate participation, contact Judy Noble of MDHA at 214/670-1138.

Participants may pre-register for $25 through November 21 by Noon at www.HelpTheHomelessDallas.org.  On-site registration, from 8:30AM to 10:00AM, is $30. Registration for children 18-years-old and younger is $15.  The registration fee also entitles walkers to a commemorative WalkAThon T-shirt, which includes colorful artwork designed by a 10-year-old camper from Rainbow Days, a non-profit member of Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance that hosted a summer camp for homeless children .