Friendship Place embarks on its 10th year of the Walk to End Homelessness event on April 27 in Washington, D.C., advocating for housing as a fundamental human right and rallying community support to fight homelessness.
In an era where the conversations around social issues are louder and more necessary than ever, the plight of homelessness demands innovative approaches and enduring commitment. This year, on April 27, that commitment will once again come to life on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. during the 10th Annual Friendship Place Walk to End Homelessness. Themed “There’s No Place Like Home,” the event encapsulates the underlying philosophy that housing is a fundamental human right and is essential in addressing the homelessness crisis.
Founded in 1991, Friendship Place has grown from a local volunteer effort into a powerhouse advocate for homeless individuals and families in the Washington, DC region. With a firm belief in providing stability and dignity for all, the organization has been at the forefront of comprehensive, effective solutions to homelessness. The upcoming walk is not just a fundraiser; it’s a bold statement of the community’s resolve to fight homelessness together.
The event will kick off at the iconic Lincoln Memorial, creating a backdrop that is as historic as it is symbolic. With DJ EZ Street setting the atmosphere, participants can expect a day filled with powerful testimonies from political figures, the courageous stories of those who have experienced homelessness, and insightful presentations by street outreach workers. Attendees will then traverse the National Mall in a visible act of solidarity against homelessness.
Friendship Place’s history is a testament to the power of community action. The organization began as a response to the local homelessness crisis, with volunteers conducting night-time street counts that revealed the hidden scope of the issue. From these humble beginnings, and through overcoming initial community skepticism, Friendship Place has expanded its operations to seven facilities, serving over 5,000 individuals annually including youth, families, and veterans. Its programs range from prevention to rehousing, medical services, and more, illustrating a holistic approach to ending homelessness.
Within the strategy of eradicating homelessness, Friendship Place places a high value on street outreach. This team engages with some of the most vulnerable citizens, who may have been living without shelter for extended periods. Liza Poris, an Outreach Specialist at Friendship Place, emphasizes the importance of meeting these individuals “on their turf” to provide immediate assistance, build trust, and gradually guide them towards stable, long-term housing solutions. This year’s walk theme highlights this vital work, underlining the organization’s conviction that true solutions lie beyond temporary shelters.
The proceeds from the Friendship Place Walk will support these critical efforts, contributing to the organization’s nationally recognized programs. Friendship Place not only offers immediate help but empowers participants to rebuild their lives with dignity and self-sufficiency. As the DC-region’s leader in the mission to end homelessness, the organization continues to play a significant role in Homeward DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser’s ambitious plan to make homelessness “rare, brief, and non-recurring”.
As the Friendship Place Walk to End Homelessness approaches, it presents an opportunity for the community to come together, to learn, to contribute, and to take a stand. It’s a reminder that in the fight against homelessness, compassion, action, and persistence can create a path towards a future where everyone has a place to call home.