Teen Begins Walk to Washington DC for Homeless Kids
David Ashby “send-off” with Coalition Children
WHAT:
Departure of 14-year-old David Ashby on his 1,100-mile walk to Washington, DC to promote awareness of homeless children.
WHEN:
Monday, June 15, 2009 8:00 am
WHERE:
Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
639 West Central Blvd., Orlando, FL West end of building – Patio area, corner of Parramore Av. & Central Blvd. David will depart onto Central Blvd and walk east.
WHY:
This 8th grade student from Lee Middle School in Orlando aims to bring a voice to the estimated 1.35 million homeless children in the US by walking to Washington DC and living as a homeless youth along the way. He will sleep by the roadside and eat out of trashcans as necessary. He will also be stopping at 22 homeless shelters; talking with the children who call the shelters or the streets “home;” and sharing their experiences, thoughts and fears daily at helpingstepbystep.blogspot.com/. His journey will also be chronicled on the Coalition’s blog at cflhomeless.wordpress.com/.
SPECIAL MEDIA INSTRUCTIONS:
If going live, bring ample cable feeds. Park on Central Blvd. (avoid bus stop & yellow curb); on Coalition property or our lot. Staff will assist.
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
David Ashby and his mother, Alison Ashby
Brent Trotter – President/CEO, Coalition for the Homeless
Commissioner Robert Stuart - City of Orlando District 3
Orange County School Board Members and OCPS Administrators
Homeless children and parents
