WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today, thousands of people from the D.C. metropolitan area came together on the National Mall for the 22nd Annual Help the Homeless 5K Walkathon. This year's Help the Homeless Program beneficiaries are 134 nonprofit organizations that work to prevent and end homelessness in the Washington metropolitan area. The program also seeks to build awareness by educating the community, particularly young people, about the issues facing homeless people.

"In this tough economy, we're seeing an increase in homelessness which is putting greater strains on those who provide services to the homeless," said Michael J. Williams, Fannie Mae President and Chief Executive Officer. "We know that through Help the Homeless, we can all come together as a community to make a difference, raise awareness about homelessness, and directly support efforts to assist those in need."

The Help the Homeless Program began in 1998 when 150 people took part in the first walkathon. Today the program has raised more than $75 million for nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving homeless people in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. It has become the nation's largest fundraising effort benefitting the homeless people.

This year, in addition to the thousands of walkers on the National Mall, another 86,000 people took part in the more than 700 mini-walks sponsored by schools, community centers, and places of worship. Additionally, 198 partners have registered and committed more than $1.5 million in sponsorship funds.

For more information about the Help the Homeless Program or local Mini-Walks, visit http://www.helpthehomelessdc.org/.

Fannie Mae exists to expand affordable housing and bring global capital to local communities in order to serve the U.S. housing market. Fannie Mae has a federal charter and operates in America's secondary mortgage market to enhance the liquidity of the mortgage market by providing funds to mortgage bankers and other lenders so that they may lend to home buyers. Our job is to help those who house America.

Fannie Mae

CONTACT: Tita Ponce for Fannie Mae, +1-202-752-4131,
albertina_ponce@fanniemae.com; or Resource Center, +1-800-732-6643

Web Site: http://www.fanniemae.com/