HomeWalk ’14 – A Success by All Standards, but We Still
Have Work Ahead of Us
When your own backyard is home to one of the highest con-
centrations of homeless individuals living on the streets, the
issue is hard to ignore. In the most recent homeless count,
it was reported that 39,461 individuals are experiencing
homelessness in Los Angeles County -- that means one out
of every 250 Angelenos is without a home – a staggering
figure alone. Combine that with the fact that Los Angeles
County has more homeless veterans than any other part of
the country, with a veteran headcount of over 4,600 people,
and it’s obvious that something must be done.
Homelessness…Why?
Heartbreakingly, more than 10,000 of LA’s homeless pop-
ulation are chronically homeless, with more than one-third
of LA’s homeless population comprised of women and chil-
dren. Nearly one-third (28 percent) of the total population
struggles with a severe mental illness and 30 percent suffer
from a chronic substance abuse issue.
The homeless issue ties back to three core causes: hous-
es, education and veteran unemployment. Homelessness is
related to a lack of affordable housing and health care, stu-
dents not graduating and not prepared for the workforce in
the 21st century, and the inability to earn an adequate wage.
There is an unprecedented increase in unemployment, mak-
ing more families vulnerable to foreclosures. Currently, 18
percent of post 9/11 veterans are unemployed in LA County.
from 13,300 participants – which will provide housing for
1,300 homeless individuals. The walk was free, but runners
paid a $20 entrance fee, raising nearly $600,000, matched
by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. The Conrad N. Hilton
Foundation also pledged to match the first $25,000 for each
of the half dozen teams that raised the same amount.
Kobe Bryant served as the Honorary Chair for the fourth
straight year with an appearance by United States Hous-
ing and Urban Development Secretary, Julian Castro. Other
celebrities in attendance were teen actor Cameron Boyce,
actress/singer Tia Carrere, indie-rock Band Terraplane Sun,
and the Laker Girls.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
Homelessness is a solvable problem. By housing those
who most urgently need help, taxpayers save 43 percent on
every dollar. Once in permanent, supportive housing, peo-
ple have an 85 percent chance of staying off the streets for
good.
There is no denying that, for the eighth straight year, Home-
Walk was a success. While their work is not done, they are
well on their way. There is hope.
www.unitedwayla.org
Solve Homelessness? How?
United Way and its partners have implemented a number
of programs to eradicate homelessness and have made
great strides. In fact, the Home for Good campaign, a task
force and blue print to end chronic and veteran homeless by
2016 has already made progress in reaching United Way’s
goals to end homelessness, increase graduation rates and
improve financial stability for all in L.A. County. Not only
have United Way and its partners committed to end chronic
and veteran homelessness by the end of next year, but the
organization also aims to end overall homelessness in Los
Angeles County by 2020.
Seem like lofty goals? In addition to the overall Home for
Good blueprint, each year United Way of Greater Los Ange-
les hosts the annual HomeWalk, a 5k run/walk to raise the
public awareness and funds necessary to meet those goals.
Over the past seven years, HomeWalk has mobilized near-
ly 50,000 walkers, raised over $4 million, and has moved
14,500 people off the streets and into permanent housing.
HomeWalk is one of the most unique 5K events in Southern
California, offering an educational journey along the route,
a robust dollar for dollar fundraising match, and entertain-
ment for walkers and their families.
HomeWalk 2014
This year alone, the 8th Annual HomeWalk, held on Novem-
ber 15th, raised over $1.29 million dollars – with the help
Jim White
Author - THE WORLD IS A SAFE PLACE
(213) 620 8000
www.theworldisasafeplace.com