About Help the Homeless Program
The Help the Homeless Program raises awareness of homelessness and supports organizations working to prevent and end homelessness in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Help the Homeless encourages volunteerism that serves the homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless.
The Help the Homeless Program works to:
- Raise public awareness to prevent and end homelessness in Washington, D.C.
- Help local organizations raise funds and build capacity to serve the homeless population
- Educate youth about issues of homelessness and encourage volunteerism in their communities
History
Fannie Mae created the Help the Homeless Program in 1988. Since then, it has become the nation’s largest fund-raising collaboration focused on homelessness. The Help the Homeless Program, which culminates each year with the Walkathon held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, has raised more than $75 million for nonprofit organizations in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area that serve homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless.
2009 Accomplishments
Fannie Mae announced the results of its 22nd annual Help the Homeless Program, the nation’s largest fund-raising effort focused on homelessness. In 2009, the D.C. metropolitan area came together to raise $5.8 million for 134 regional non-profit organizations serving people who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. More than 117,000 people raised funds through the Help the Homeless Walkathon on the National Mall, 657 community Mini-Walks, corporate sponsorships, and related activities. Read more
