Help the Homeless
The following questions and answers will explain how the closing of the Fannie Mae Foundation will affect the Fannie Mae Foundation Help the Homeless Program. Please read through this information carefully.
Q: Will there be a Help the Homeless Program in Washington, D.C., in 2007?
A: Yes. 2007 marks the 20th year for the Help the Homeless Program. The Walkathon on the National Mall is scheduled for November 17, 2007. The Help the Homeless Program will also expand to at least five additional cities. In 2006, the Help the Homeless Program raised more than $8 million to support 180 beneficiary organizations in the Washington metropolitan area.
Q: Will there be a continuing commitment to preventing and ending homelessness when the Foundation closes?
A: As we approach the 20th Annual Walkathon for the Help the Homeless Program, Fannie Mae has publicly stated that it will build on the Foundation's good work and will seek to bolster national awareness of the need to prevent and ultimately end homelessness.
Background Information on the Help the Homeless Program
The mission of the Help the Homeless Program is to raise awareness of and funds for Washington metropolitan area organizations that are working to prevent and end homelessness, with an emphasis on programs that help homeless people return to independent living. The Help the Homeless Program also fosters volunteerism in service to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless.
In 2006, a record-breaking $8 million was raised to benefit 180 Washington metropolitan area homeless service providers, which are working to prevent and end homelessness and many of which have an emphasis on helping homeless people return to independent living. The funds were raised last year through the Help the Homeless Walkathon, mini-walks, and other related activities. In total, the activities included more than 120,000 participants. The 2006 results top those from 2005, which included approximately $7.8 million raised and 110,000 participants.
As we enter the 20th year of the Help the Homeless Program, the Fannie Mae Foundation is proud to continue our commitment to supporting homeless service providers in and around our hometown of Washington, D.C., and to donate the funds raised through the Help the Homeless Program directly to local organizations.
Since its inception in 1988, the Help the Homeless Program has grown into the largest funding collaborative focused on homelessness in Washington, D.C., and in the nation. To date, more than $62.5 million has been raised through the Help the Homeless Program.
Help the Homeless Program funds are a combination of organizations' fund-raising efforts — by recruiting corporate partners and walkers — and Fannie Mae Foundation incentive funds. Fannie Mae Foundation incentive funds are awarded to organizations that are among the most efficient and effective in the provision of services to the homeless. These funds may be used for program or operating support.
Click here to learn more about the Help the Homeless Program and the issue of homelessness.