Second Annual Homeless Children’s Awareness Week Kicks Off October 14th

Homeless Children’s Education Fund Seeks to Raise Awareness Through Weeklong Events

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Beginning on October 14th, the Homeless Children’s Education Fund (HCEF) will host a weeklong series of events to recognize the second annual Homeless Children’s Awareness Week. HCEF coordinates this week in an effort to educate Pennsylvania residents about the challenges and effects of homelessness on the education of children and youth. HCEF encourages participation in their scheduled events but also strives for leaders to host events in their own communities. This year, Homeless Children’s Awareness Week has garnered proclamations by the state of Pennsylvania, the City of Pittsburgh, and the County of Allegheny.

The following events are scheduled throughout the week of October 14th:

  • Cabinet of Congregations Kick-Off
    Various Pittsburgh Congregations
    Sunday, October 14, 2012
  • An Evening of Storytelling
    James Street Gastropub and Speakeasy
    Admission is $5 per person
    Monday, October 15
    Doors open at 6:00p.m. – Show begins at 7:00p.m.
  • Stand-Up:  A Performance Art Installation
    Duquesne University
    Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 6:00p.m.
  • An Evening of Appreciation (By Invitation)
    Wednesday, October 17, 2012
  • Stand-Up:  A Performance Art Installation
    Soldiers and Sailors Lawn, University of Pittsburgh
    Thursday, October 18, 2012 at 4:45p.m.
  • An Evening of Film (following the Stand-Up)
    University of Pittsburgh, WPU 538
  • Featuring “Homeless to Harvard”
    Thursday, October 18, 2012, 6:00p.m.
  • Stand-Up: A Performance Art Installation
    McIntyre Elementary School
    Friday, October 19, 2012
  • Open House w/ Dick Deluca
    Friday, October 19, 2012
  • Stand Up and Run for Homeless Children 5K Race/Walk
    North Park Boat House
    Saturday, October 20, 2012
    Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. (Register here )
    Race/Walk begins at 8:30a.m.
  • HCEF Cabinet of Congregations Events
    Faith Congregations in Allegheny County, various locations
    Saturday, October 20th at various times

Creativity when planning individual events is always encouraged, but HCEF suggests options such as art installations, walk/run events, supply drives, prayer walls, storytelling, benefit concerts, movie nights, or community service days.

The definition of homelessness, according to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, refers to children who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. Homeless Children’s Awareness Week is designed to give a voice to those children who are affected by homelessness, especially as it relates to the areas of physical health, academic success and emotional and behavioral development. The stress of homelessness is even greater for children experiencing repeated or chronic homelessness. HCEF’s goal is to ensure that these children and their families are aware that they are entitled to various educational rights under the Act and to encourage others to make an impact on the lives of these children.

Homeless Children’s Awareness Week is sponsored this year by Hundred Acres Manor Haunted House, Fragasso Financial Advisors, Trib Total Media, Jennmar, Vitamin Water, Road ID, and Active.com, as well as many other local groups and supporters.

For more information on the week and schedule of events or to add your own event to the week’s calendar, visit hcaw2012.tumblr.com. Follow the action at facebook.com/homelesseducation and twitter.com/homelessfund.com (@homelessfund) using #HCAW2012.

About HCEF:
Since 1999, the Homeless Children’s Education Fund (HCEF), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, has been dedicated to providing advocacy, community engagement, and direct service programs that support the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness. For more information, visit www.homelessfund.org.

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