* * *Media Advisory* * *
Biggert, Homeless and Runaway Youth Advocates to Hold Press Conference
WHO:
- U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13th), Co-Chair of the House Caucus on Missing & Exploited Children
- Nancy Radner, CEO, Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness
- Maureen Blaha, Executive Director, National Runaway Switchboard
- Carol Simler, Executive Director, DuPage Public Actions to Deliver Shelter (PADS)
- Local homeless advocates and shelter officials
WHAT:
Biggert will join the heads of several Chicago-area homeless and runaway youth organizations for a press conference where they will address the growing threat that homelessness is posing to children in Illinois and around the country. They also will highlight Biggert’s recent efforts to successfully pass three pieces of legislation aimed at improving services to homeless and runaway youth.
WHEN:
Thursday, October 23, 2008
12:00 pm
WHERE:
First United Methodist Church
1032 Maple Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515
WHY:
In a report issued by First Focus, a bipartisan advocacy organization, it was estimated that 2 million children would be affected by foreclosure over the next two years, many at risk of homelessness. Last year alone, DuPage PADS saw a 23% increase in the number of homeless children whose families came to them for aid. And according to the National Runaway Switchboard, between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run away in a year. Biggert will join local advocates to draw attention to the pressing need for increased efforts to support and shelter runaway and homeless children and their families. They also will highlight Biggert’s recent successful efforts to pass three pieces of legislation: H. Res. 1375 - Recognizing National Runaway Prevention Month; S. 2982 - the Runaway and Homeless Youth Protection Act; and H.R. 7221- the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act of 2008.
Both the public and members of the media are encouraged to attend. For additional information please contact Brian Colgan at 630-655-2052.
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