LOS ANGELES, CA (October 20, 2005) – Muslims from throughout the
Southland will gather on ‘Skid Row’ in downtown Los Angeles to host the 4th
Annual Humanitarian Day for the Homeless event. The Coalition to Preserve
Human Dignity, a joint effort involving a wide variety of local and nationwide
organizations, expects to provide food and healthcare for an expected 3,000
homeless people. Last year, the Coalition served 2,000 homeless.
International relief and development organization Islamic Relief is one of the
lead organizations coordinating the efforts of the Coalition.
The event is taking place in the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when
Muslims are encouraged as part of their faith to donate to the poor and
needy. Every year in the month of Ramadan, Muslims across the world fast
from sunrise until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations.
Each person attending the event will receive a warm meal and a gift package
including hygiene and emergency kits, bath towels, clothing, blankets,
ponchos and toys for children. In addition, critical health services will be
provided free of charge, including a health screening, HIV/AIDS screenings,
flu vaccinations, educational materials and referral information. There will also
be various booths staffed by community organizations that offer social and
health services.
WHAT:
Humanitarian Day for the Homeless
WHEN:
Sunday, October 23
10:00am to 2:00pm
WHERE:
Towne Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles, between 4th and 5th Streets
Humanitarian Day has been so successful in the past that the Coalition has
expanded nationwide. Efforts to provide food and medical services during
Ramadan have now expanded to Las Vegas, Chicago, Newark and
Washington, D.C. this year. The Los Angeles event is the largest such event
in the nation. Supplies, food and financial support are donated by
organizations as well as individuals. Last year, the event drew over 600
volunteers.
Islamic Relief, one of the 39 sponsors for the event, has been a member of
the Coalition since its inception. In addition to its relief and development
projects in over 30 countries across the world, Islamic Relief has maintained
committed to domestic projects as well, including homeless feedings, and
healthcare projects for underserved communities.
Other Coalition members include local and national Muslim organizations,
interfaith groups, Kaiser Permanente, and the UMMA Community Clinic, which
will provide health services at the event.
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Media Contacts:
Naim Shah – Ilm Foundation (323) 839-2822