Last Thursday, United Way of Greater Los Angeles gathered partners from labor, business and non-profit agencies—along with other advocates for the homeless community— for  their annual “HomeWalk Heroes Breakfast” to celebrate the accomplishments of HomeWalk 2012 and set the stage for this year’s upcoming walk on November 23, 2013.  For more information, visit www.homewalkla.org.

“I am excited to share that Kobe Bryant will once again serve as HomeWalk Honorary Chair, for the 3^rd year in a row.  We are incredibly grateful that Kobe continues to be a champion for the cause and makes a personal commitment to ending homelessness here in L.A. Country,” said Elise Buik, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

United Way’s 7^th annual HomeWalk will take place on November 23, 2013 at Exposition Park.  Since its inception in 2007, HomeWalk has mobilized 38,000 participants, raised $3 million and moved 13,000 individuals into permanent supportive housing.  According to United Way, 85% of individuals who move into permanent supportive housing stay off the streets for good.

“Los Angeles is my home and with over fifty-eight thousand people in our city that don’t have a place to call home, something has to be done” said Kobe Bryant. “Nearly half are women and children, and many are veterans who bravely fought for our country. That’s why I’m involved with United Way’s HomeWalk. Homelessness is a solvable problem, if we work together.”

United Way has set a goal of bringing together 10,000 walkers and raising $1 million.  To maximize impact, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation has generously pledged to match every donation of $100 or more.   Register by September 15^th to save $5 off the $25 registration fee.  Go to www.HomeWalkLA.org.