Sweetser News & Events

Ten-Hour Marathon Brings Attention To Homelessness In York County

Posted on 06/07/2006 at 09:45 am

(BIDDEFORD) Sweetser, The York County Homeless Youth Partnership, and The United Way of York County are bringing the National Homelessness Marathon to York County for the first time on Tuesday, February 15, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Biddeford's Mechanic Park. Part radio broadcast, part outdoor vigil, the event is organized to raise awareness about homelessness on both a local and national level.

Organized to take place during the winter months to draw attention to one of the harshest realities of homelessness, the event features the voices of people who are rarely heard in the media.

Donald Whitehead, director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, calls the marathon "the most significant media event focusing on homelessness and poverty."

The first Homeless Marathon took place in 1988 on a small radio station in Central New York. The 7th Marathon, was broadcast in 2004 on 80 stations coast-to-coast, with another 30 stations across Canada carrying a parallel Canadian Homelessness Marathon. This year, more than 110 stations are expected to participate.

What: Ten hour outdoor event to draw attention to the issue of homelessness in York County and across the country. More than 110 communities are participating nationwide.

Where Mechanic Park, Biddeford (White Wharf on Water Street) When: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Who: The National Homelessness Marathon event is open to the public, the homeless, formerly homeless, and social service providers.

The national radio broadcast will be aired throughout the day and participants will be invited to share their stories about homelessness, and homeless issues in our community. Winter outerwear, blankets, and personal hygiene items will be distributed to those in need, and the Salvation Army's Mobile Canteen will provide warm refreshments.