Last week, West Elementary hosted a mini walk as part of Fannie Mae’s Help the Homeless Walkathon program. Each year, West Elementary partners with Samaritan Inns as a beneficiary organization to support our mission to reshape and rebuild the lives of those suffering from homelessness and addiction in the district. This inspiring initiative helped students gain a better understanding of homelessness and demonstrated the Samaritan Inns’ spirit of raising awareness to end homelessness and addiction in our Nation’s Capital.

“The walk is very important to our students. After many months of conversation, classroom activities and making posters our students look forward to the mini-walk, as they are aware of how this small contribution plays a big part in them making a difference for others. Teacher's and students communicate about the homelessness in our city and around the world. Student's share stories of family members and friends that lost a home. We talk with our student's about the magnitude of the economy and how that often impacts economic conditions, says Carol Paige, School Counselor and Walk Coordinator for West Elementary School.”

These Mini-Walks culminate with the 22nd Annual Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon on Saturday, November 21, on the National Mall. To register for this event please visit www.helpthehomelessdc.org for more information. Please remember to designate Samaritan Inns, beneficiary number DC073 when you register online!