Charlotte, N.C. -- In November 2006, Charlotte's second annual Homeless Awareness Walk helped shed light on a growing problem in our community. As housing costs rise, our local homeless population increases significantly each year. The threat of homelessness has become a reality to all walks of life – including working families. On any given night, 5,000 individuals and families on the streets in Mecklenburg County demonstrate the need for attention to homelessness in the Charlotte area.

This year's over 400 walkers of diverse ages, racial backgrounds and economic status supported the message that homelessness is an issue that affects everyone. Leading the walk were two formerly homeless individuals who have dedicated their lives to families who still fight this battle. The Voices of Hope Choir sang songs of hope as walkers prepared to embark on the route through areas of Charlotte with the highest concentration of homelessness.

The walk was organized by A Way Home, a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to reduce the prevalence, duration and impact of homelessness in Mecklenburg County through advocacy, capacity building and strategic planning support. Time and support were also offered by agencies Socialserve.com, Crisis Assistance Ministry, The Fannie Mae Foundation, Apartment Realty Advisors, and local law firm Kennedy Covington.

Next year marks the twentieth anniversary of the National Homeless Awareness Walk in Washington, DC. This anniversary will provide an opportunity for the Foundation and the Fannie Mae Corporation to partner with communities to help refocus the nation’s attention on the complex social problem of homelessness. Charlotte has been selected as one of five cities to be a part of this national effort to bring homelessness out of the shadows. Preventative measures and solutions will also be an important piece of this national event. More Information to come.


For More Information:

Nina Fedele, Socialserve.com: 704.334.8722

Chris Wolf, A Way Home: 704.347.3646