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.

– END –

Media Contacts:

Naim Shah – Ilm Foundation (323) 839-2822