On April 25, 2010, individuals and groups from all over the community will be taking part in the Homeward Bound 5K walkathon to combat homelessness and highlight the need for affordable housing.  We anticipate that hundreds of walkers will gather at Headwaters Park on the 25th to participate.  Registration is from noon-2 PM; entertainment begins at 12:30; welcoming comments start at 1:30; and the 5K walk begins at 2.  This is your opportunity to take a stand (and a step!) to fight the effects of homelessness.

The Interfaith Hospitality Network is one of several homeless assistance programs in Fort Wayne and Allen County sponsoring Homeward Bound and benefiting from this outstanding event.  Participants are asked to sign a pledge form, collect pledges, form groups of co-workers, congregation members, and friends.  Pledge forms and posters may be obtained by contacting IHN at 458-9772 or by stopping by to visit us at 2925 East State.

These are difficult days for homeless families.  Current economic conditions and rising unemployment have contributed to a significant increase in the number of homeless families seeking shelter.  They are desperate.  They are despairing.  Parents struggle to find words to explain to their children that there is no place for them to sleep at night.  They are not so much seeking a hand-out as a hand-up so they can again become productive members of society.

You can make a difference in people’s lives.  You can respond to the needs of the “least of these.”  You can partner with the Interfaith Hospitality Network in its response to homelessness.  Please collect contribution pledges and walk with us on April 25th.