Help the Homeless Walkathon to take place Nov. 18

The 19th annual Fannie Mae Foundation Help the Homeless Walkathon will take place on the National Mall on Saturday, Nov. 18. The Walkathon is part of a campaign to raise awareness and funds for over 180 Washington metropolitan area organizations working to prevent homelessness. Early registration is due by Nov. 12, but onsite registration is also available.

More than 12,000 people in the Washington metropolitan area are categorized as homeless: living on the streets, staying in shelters or living in transitional housing. Over 40 percent are families and approximately one third are children.

Washington metropolitan area residents have participated in the annual Help the Homeless Walkathon since 1988, raising over $54 million for more than 220 providers of services to the homeless in the Washington metropolitan area. In 2005 alone, a record breaking $7.8 million was raised.

This year, the walkathon is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 18, rain or shine. Those interested can preregister either online, by fax or by mail, or they can register the day of the walk.

Early registration for the walkathon costs $15 for participants 25 and younger and $25 for adults. On event day, the registration fee for adults is $30.

For information about registering and directions to the walk, visit Fannie Mae's web site.