For the sixth consecutive year, a 14-hour radio marathon will draw attention to the nation's epidemic of homelessness. To dramatize the plight of the millions of Americans who become homeless each year, this unique program will originate from outdoors in Portland, Maine, where it will be hosted by WMPG, the radio station of the University of Southern Maine.
"The Sixth Annual Homelessness Marathon" will air nationally from 7pm, EST, Wednesday, February 5th to 9am, EST, Thursday, February 6, 2003. And it will in Central New York by WEOS, 89.7 Fm and 88.1 FM in Ithaca.
To raise awareness about the global extent of homelessness, the American marathon will periodically simulcast with a "Canadian Homelessness Marathon," being broadcast for the first time on at least 18 stations across Canada. The Canadian Homelessness Marathon will originate from Montreal, where it will be coordinated by CKUT.
"'The Homelessness Marathon' is America's night for homeless people," said Jeremy Weir Alderson, the marathon's director. "This is the only chance most Americans ever get to hear the stories of the homeless people they see on the streets, and it's the only chance most homeless people ever get to address the nation about the obstacles they face."
During the most recent marathon, Karen, a homeless woman from central New York, said, "I keep thinking there's an answer out there. I know now... there aren't any." Comments Alderson, "If the American people get involved, I'm sure we can find those answers together."
"The Homelessness Marathon," the longest regularly-scheduled public affairs program in America today, has grown from being on one station in 1998 to over 50 in 2002. The Sixth Annual Homelessness Marathon will be on around 70 stations coast-to-coast. Additional information can be found at the marathon's web site: http://www.homelessnessmarathon.org
"The Homelessness Marathon" is a consciousness raising, not a fund raising, broadcast. The sixth marathon will be funded, in part, by grants from The Maine Community Foundation, the Maine Charity Foundation Fund, and Ithaca Hours.
