Dreamwalk will fight homelessness - April 30, 2007

07-027

Media contacts: Kat Vellos, 206-859-1461
Chatara Hajje, 206-931-5336

OLYMPIA – Advocates for homeless people will hold a Dreamwalk walkathon in Federal Way on June 2 to raise money for a drop-in center for homeless adults and children.  

The Dreamwalk will occur from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Federal Way Memorial Field, 300 S. 308th St. 

The event will include live music from local talent, a homelessness anthology, activities for children and a forum to raise community awareness.  In addition to raising awareness about homeless people, the walkathon will raise money to build a Federal Way drop-in center and to purchase supplies to meet immediate needs. 

The event is being sponsored by the Federal Way Public Schools AmeriCorps team, which is made up of Washington Service Corps members, and the South Sound Dream Center.  The Washington Service Corps is part of the state Employment Security Department and funded by the federal AmeriCorps program. 

“The resource center we want to build would help people get off the street and help them make their own lives better,” said Washington Service Corps member Sarah Curl.  “We are asking everyone to come out and help make it happen. We’ll be there, rain or shine.”

There are several ways to participate.  

WALK – Be a dream walker.  Bring family, friends, co-workers or association members. Be part of making a dream come true.  (Wheelchairs are welcome.)

DONATE – Bring donations such as non-perishable food, toiletries, diapers, new or like-new coats, white socks, under wear and blankets.

SPONSOR – Make a tax-deductible, monetary donation.

According to the Committee to End Homelessness in King County, there are 8,300 homeless people in King County on any given night. In 2007, the committee’s One Night Count reported 2,159 people with no shelter.

Those interested in participating or volunteering at the Dreamwalk may leave contact information at 253-815-7949 or e-mail fwdreamwalk@gmail.com.  More information about the South Sound Dream Center and Dreamwalk can be found at www.ssdreamcenter.org.