Walk to benefit homeless closes streets

A walkathon to benefit homeless in the Washington region is closing streets around the National Mall.

The Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walk began at 9 a.m. Saturday at the mall.

Officials say Independence Avenue will be closed from 4th Street to 17th Street southwest, and inbound traffic on the 14th Street bridge will diverted to northbound Interstate 395 from until 12:30 p.m.

According to the event's website, the annual walkathon has raised more than $80 million for nonprofit organziations in the Washington area that serve homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless.