Where There is a Will, There’s a Way to “Help the Homeless”

Everyone in Washington knows that autumn signals the start of the Fannie Mae Foundation’s Help the Homeless Walkathon season. This year, homeless education remained high on Wesley Housing’s agenda in spite of the fact that many of the actual “walking” events had to be modified in fearful communities around the Capital Beltway. Because of the unfortunate series of cancellations prompted by the sniper case, nonprofit agencies had to get creative in honoring the spirit of “Help the Homeless.”

For Wesley Housing, on-site “Mini-Walks” gave way to indoor activities such as discussions, poster-drawing, poetry-writing, and “Calisthenics for Homelessness.”

Open Houses at Wesley Housing Centers helped raise money and awareness for homelessness, and publicize the myriad services we offer residents and the surrounding communities. Adults and children at Whitefield Commons/Knightsbridge, Strawbridge Square, and Wexford Manor Apartments joined Wesley Housing volunteers and staff to support the “Help the Homeless” (HTH) efforts.

Despite the overcast sky, the October 20th event at Whitefield Commons brought out 55 residents and volunteers for HTH activities and a barbecue feast.
The kids had ample opportunity to reflect on homelessness while participating in poster and poetry contests. Emelia Corea, a Knightsbridge resident, said it was important to care about the homeless “because they do not have a warm place to live in winter.” Young Edgar Rivero, bent over his poster and crayons, said that he was helping the homeless “because they need food and clothes.”

The activities provided excellent opportunities for volunteers to get to know residents of our communities. Lindsay Gundrum, a George Mason University student, said it was “eye-opening to see what the kids think about homelessness.” Allison Kellum, another volunteer at the Lincolnia Community Resource Center, joined about 80 walkers for an afternoon of face-painting, poetry-reading, and a festive luncheon.

The Wexford Manor Open House on November 2nd drew 45 residents. Fatamata Jarr, a member of the Wexford Manor Center’s Girl Power group, said, “We need to show the homeless that we care about them.” The boys had observations, too. “It is important to help the homeless so that they can get a place to live,” said Tyrek Fuller. “Not a shelter!” added Reggie Price.