On Saturday, November 23, Kobe and Vanessa Bryant joined more than 12,000 participants at United Way’s 7^th Annual HomeWalk to end homelessness. As Honorary Chair, Kobe addressed the participants and gave the official start for the 5k run and walk at Exposition Park in downtown Los Angeles.

There are 58,423 homeless men and women in Los Angeles County, over one-quarter of whom are chronically homeless. By increasing community awareness and action around the issue, HomeWalk has mobilized nearly 50,000 walkers, raised over $4 million and will have moved 14,000 people off the streets and into permanent housing all within the past 7 years.

“Our communities continue to suffer and, by mobilizing Angelenos today, we can raise the funds and awareness necessary to create pathways out of poverty and move our homeless neighbors into permanent housing,” said Elise Buik, president and CEO, United Way of Greater Los Angeles. “With the support of advocates like Kobe and Vanessa, the Hilton Foundation, sponsors, our public officials and Los Angeles County residents, we will continue to make a powerful impact.”

Funds raised by this year’s HomeWalk will go twice as far thanks to a grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation which matches all contributions of $100 or more. 100% of the proceeds will be invested in the development and implementation of permanent housing solutions for local families, military veterans and the chronically homeless.

“Homelessness is not specific to one neighborhood or one type of person. It impacts all of us and it will take a community response in order to end homelessness in Los Angeles,” said Kobe Bryant. “That’s what inspires me to see everyone come out to HomeWalk. There’s nothing we can’t achieve as long as we work together.”