Sweetser News & Events

9th Annual Homelessness Marathon Scheduled

Posted on 02/13/2006 at 01:26 pm

A 24-hour event organized to shine a light on the plight of Maine's homeless population will take place from 9 a.m. February 15 through 9 a.m. February 16 at the York County Shelter Programs, Inc. in Alfred. This year marks the ninth anniversary of the National Homelessness Marathon, scheduled to coincide with similar events across the country.

Organized by the Region I Council on Homelessness, a coalition established by the Governor and comprised of organizations that serve Maine's homeless population, the event is part outdoor vigil, part radio broadcast.

Highlights of the event include a 1:00 p.m. presentation by Governor John Baldacci and Maine State Housing, along with workshops on a variety of issues relative to homelessness, a play by the Maine Council of Churches and a candlelight vigil.

Organized to take place during the winter months to draw attention to one of the harshest realities of homelessness, the Homeless Marathon features the voices of people who are rarely heard in the media. The event was held in Portland's Monument Square for many years, before moving to York County last year. Local radio station, WMPG will broadcast from the marathon throughout the day and air the live national broadcast from 7 p.m. on the 15th through 9 a.m. on the 16th.

A 2004 report by the Maine State Housing Authority cited a total of 633 homeless people in the state, including 125 children.

What: 24-hour event to draw attention to the issues of homelessness in York and Cumberland counties, and across the country.

Where: York County Shelter Programs, Inc., located at 147 Shaker Hill Road in Alfred

When: 9 a.m., Wednesday, February 15 - 9 a.m. February 16; 1 - 3 p.m. February 15: Region I Homeless Council meeting with introductory remarks from Governor John E. Baldacci

Who: The Homelessness Marathon is open to the public, the homeless, formerly homeless and social service providers.

The Region I Council on Homelessness is comprised of homeless and formerly homeless individuals, social service providers, government agency representatives, and other concerned members of the community. The Region I Council on Homelessness works to end homelessness in York and Cumberland counties by raising awareness of homelessness, advocating for appropriate policy, improving the service network and coordinating resources.

Contact: Heather Chandler, Assistant Director of Communications, 294-4430