Kobe Bryant Taking Stand Against Homelessness In LA County

WHAT:

As part of United Way's campaign to end poverty in L.A. County, the organization will host its 7^th Annual HomeWalk, a 5K run/walk to raise public awareness and fund solutions to end homelessness, one of the most extreme forms of poverty. Over the past six years, nearly 40,000 people have participated, raising over $3 million and helping move over 13,000 people off the streets and into housing.

For the second straight year, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation will match every dollar raised, driving expected record donations from the Walk.

WHY/STATS:

L.A. County remains the Homeless Capital of the nation, with 58,423 living without homes.

• More than one-third of the homeless are women and children; 26% are chronically homeless
• 43% of the homeless population are unsheltered, living on the streets or in cars
• 12% of the homeless are Veterans who risked their lives in service to our country
• Permanent housing with supportive services has a proven success rate of 85%

WHO:

Over 10,000 L.A. residents running and walking to help end homelessness, including the following expected celebrities and officials:

• L.A. Laker Kobe Bryant (2013 Honorary Chair)
• Television actors including Cameron Boyce (Disney's "Jessie"), Mark Valley ("Body of Proof") and Jon Huertas ("Castle")
• Bea Cohen, a 103 year-old WWII Veteran and former "Rosie the Riveter"
• Elise Buik, President and CEO, United Way of Greater Los Angeles
• Numerous Local and State Officials

WHEN:

Saturday, November 23, 2013

• 7:00 a.m. Registration
• 8:30 a.m. Opening Ceremony
• 9:00 a.m.  5K begins

WHERE:

Exposition Park

700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles

BCAST VISUALS:

• Opening remarks and ceremonies featuring Kobe Bryant
• 10,000 walkers and runners charging past the start line, led by Laker Kobe Bryant
• Interview opportunities with celebrities and walkers as they complete the course
• Interview opportunities with formerly homeless individuals who are now housed and employed, thanks to money raised at previous HomeWalks
• Interactive stops along the walk in a "homelessness journey" that bring to life what it's like to live and sleep on the street
• Interactive dialogue with 10,000 Angelenos on social media about homelessness #homewalk