Walking for the homeless

Today was the 13th Annual Homeward Bound 5K Walk. We haven't walked every year, but we try to do it when we can.

This year, we walked with the boys. They've been on the walk before, in the stroller or the wagon, but this is the first year they've walked with us.

A rainy walk.

Today is a yucky, rainy day. A lot of people seem to have stayed home, skipping the walk, this year. There really weren't nearly as many people as in years past.

When I saw the weather, I admit the thought did cross my mind that we could just stay home, where we'd be dry. Getting soaked and dealing with whiny kids isn't the most appealing thing to do on a Sunday afternoon.

Before heading out, I sent this tweet:

Perspective

Several other people at the walk made the same observation.

But people without homes don't have that luxury. People living in their cars or on the street don't always have a nice, warm, dry place to go when it rains.

Walking with the boys is a teaching moment. Walking with them in the rain was an even bigger one. Yes, they whined. We only walked about 2 miles (out of approximately 3ish) of the walk. But we committed to doing the walk so we did it.

We created a team for the walk and were hoping to raise $100. We only reached $40. Donations will be accepted for a few more days. If you would like to help some organizations in the Bloomington area that assist those experiencing homelessness, there is still time.

Our team page is Grandview Hills and Friends.

Walking for the homeless

Today I did my third Homeward Bound walk, helping raise money for several local organizations that help people in our community who are experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. I walked with a group of women from my moms group, the Hoosier Mamas.

There were 5 who walked in our group. We raised, as of this evening, $335. Not bad.

It was a beautiful day for the walk. Once again, we lucked out with sunny, warm weather. We walked 5K, which is a little over 3 miles. We got some sun. We drank lots of water. Chili and snacks awaited us when we returned to the park.

One of the things I really like about this walk, besides the good cause, is that it really is family-friendly. They encourage kids to get involved. Because a lot of kids experience homelessness and food insecurity. There are events before and after the walk to help entertain kids.

Walking for Homeward Bound is something I really like doing. I've known people who have been homeless, who have needed to use the services of the food bank, who needed a helping hand. We're extremely fortunate that we have a house, that we can afford our mortgage and buy groceries. But there are no guarantees.

For the past few years, we have concentrated our attention on local groups like the ones listed below when we decide where to donate time and money. In a perfect world, these organizations wouldn't need to exist. But they do.

There's still time to make a donation that will benefit Amethyst House, Centerstone, Community Kitchen, Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Martha's House, Middleway House, Monroe County United Ministries, Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, New Hope Family Shelter, Shalom Community Center, Stepping Stones, and Youth Services Bureau. Our team page is here.

If you prefer to donate directly to the organization of your choice, please consider doing so. Plus, starting tomorrow, you can vote for Hoosier Hills Food Bank to win an orchard. You can vote once per day.