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Updated October 13, 2009

Homelessness Awareness Week

October 25-31, 2009

During this week, organizations around the Phoenix area help to raise awareness of the problem of homelessness faced by thousands in the area throughout the year. Your donations of food, clothing, blankets, and cash are greatly appreciated by those who need a helping hand.

Think you know about homelessness? Check out these Common Myths About Homelessness.

For More Information

The Facts on Family Homelessness

In 2009, 50% of all shelters persons in Maricopa County were adults with children.
One third of all sheltered homeless persons are children or unaccompanied youth.
In Maricopa County, 8% of the unsheltered population were families with children.

The Facts on People Experiencing Homelessness

About 8,000 individuals experience homelessness on a given night in Maricopa County.
63% of those individuals find a bed at an emergency shelter.
37% do not find shelter. They find themselves sleeping in areas not meant for human habitation such as alleys, parks, canals, etc.

A Week Full of Events

Sunday, October 25

Faith-based organizations will present information in their services. They will ask congregations to participate in the Awareness Walk. A curriculum is available to teach children about hunger and homelessness.

Monday, October 26

Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness
Welcome and Morning Address: Honorable Janice K. Brewer, Governor of Arizona
Lunch Keynote Speaker: Becky Kanis, Director of Innovations, Common Ground
More information at www.azceh.org

Tuesday, October 27

Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness
Lunch Keynote Speaker: Col. Joey Strickland, Director Arizona Department of Veterans' Services
More information at www.azceh.org

Wednesday, October 28

Faces of Homelessness Speakers Bureau
Learn from individuals who have experienced homelessness what it is like to deal with these difficult and complex issues.

Surprise: Free, bring your own bag lunch.
Noon-1pm at the Surprise Public Safety Building Fire Administration Auditorium - 14250 W Statler Plaza Blvd Ste 100
Tempe: Free, bring your own brown bag lunch.
Noon-1pm at Tempe City Hall - 31 E 5th St in the Council Chambers, Garden Level.
Contact Ginny at 480-350-8979 for details.
Tempe: $10 donation, dinner provided.
6pm-8pm at ASU Karsten Golf Club Sun Devil Patio - 1125 E Rio Salado Pwky.
Contact Erika at emoore@vsuw.org to RSPV and for details.

Thursday, October 29

Project Homeless Connect
Chandler Christian Church - 1825 S Alma School Rd in Chandler
Collect new items to donate including socks, underwear, men's clothing, roll-on deodorant, and backpacks.

Friday, October 30

Second Annual Awareness Walk to the Capitol
Walk to build awareness of this pressing issue in memory of Howard Marquardt who passed away July 25 on a park bench outside of the Herberger Theater Center and in support of all those who experience homelessness every day.

Getting There

Parking available at Wesley Bolin Plaza - 1700 W Washington St. Ride the DASH for free to the Herberger Theater Center.
Take METRO Light Rail to 3rd St & Jefferson or 3rd St & Washington.

Schedule of Events

9am Kick Off at Herberger Theater - 222 E Monroe St in Phoenix. The first 400 walkers to arrive receive a free t-shirt.
9:15am walkers leave Herberger Theater.
10am walkers arrive at the Arizona State Capitol.
10:15am Presentations at the Capitol: Jacki Taylor (Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness), State Repsresentative Chad Campbell, success stories, and more.

Saturday, October 31

Call to the Public!
Consider spending part of your day volunteering with an organization that helps to end homelessness. Find projects at:

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