Press Release

For Immediate Release - November 17, 2008

Frederick, MD, November 17, 2008 —The Frederick County Coalition for the Homeless is hosting an Information Fair and Community Sleep Out Saturday November 22 to culminate National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week November 16 – 22. Both events, held from 2 – 5pm and 8pm Saturday – 6am Sunday November 23, respectively, will be held at the Frederick Rescue Mission.  

The Information Fair, 2 – 5pm Saturday, will involve various local agencies committed to helping the homeless. Interested donors, volunteers and members of the community have the opportunity to learn more about how Frederick organizations are contributing to the need of homeless people. It will be held indoors at the Frederick Rescue Mission. Those seeking help are also welcome to attend. 

“There are a lot of Frederick residents who don’t know much about the homeless community and what agencies are doing to help them,” says Tommy Skaggs, Treasurer for the Frederick County Coalition for the Homeless and Director of Development at the Frederick Rescue Mission. “This is a great opportunity to learn more, especially as the holidays approach and so many are in need.”  

The Sleep Out, beginning 8pm Saturday and going until 6am Sunday, is an experiential demonstration advocating support of those who sleep outside. Local member agencies, community members, and area churches and youth groups will be camping out on the front lawn.  

“It’s going to be cold, but I’ll be there,” says Coalition Chair Elizabeth Galaida. “I can be uncomfortable for one night to show support for those who have to brave the cold all winter.”  

The event will include a formal program at 8:30pm with a presentation from the Coalition and firsthand account of homelessness given by a resident of the Frederick Rescue Mission. Groups interested in attending should contact Elizabeth Galaida.