Homeward Bound Sixth Annual Walk Raises $64,287 To Address Homelessness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2008

For more information, please contact:
Danny Lopez, Communications Director, 349-CITY, lopezd@bloomington.in.gov
Kathy Mayer, Community And Family Resources, City of Bloomington, 349-3430



Bloomington, IN - Final numbers for the Bloomington Homeward Bound: Indiana's 5K Walk to Provide Housing and Fight Homelessness, a collaboration between the City of Bloomington and local community groups, are in, and organizers are pleased with the results. A total $64,287 was raised for local agencies to support their efforts to increase awareness and to fight homelessness.

This year's walk attracted over 500 walkers and participants to Third Street Park to help raise funds for 13 local service agencies involved with hunger and homeless issues. Those who attended the event were urged to continue to build community character and improve community condition by caring for all residents, including those who are homeless or experiencing homelessness, says much about our community's character.

"This was my first time being involved with Homeward Bound, and I was very excited to see such a great turn out," said Kathy Mayer, who represents the City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department and will be co-chairing the 2009 walk with Janet Cravens of General Electric. "Our goal for future Homeward Bound Walks is to raise the awareness within our community about the walk itself. We had great representation from the City, the participating agencies and IU. One of our goals for 2009 is to increase the involvement of the business community. I want to thank everyone for their support, and we look forward to seeing you again next year."

All proceeds from the event will provide shelter, food and emergency assistance for people experiencing homelessness in Monroe County. Homeward Bound is an increasingly important funding source for these agencies, which provide critical services to the most vulnerable members of our community.

"Effectively addressing homelessness requires a comprehensive approach across the economic and social spheres" said City of Bloomington Economic Development Director Danise Alano. "Homeward Bound is an important step toward just such a collaboration, and we're excited about the possibility of further engaging community partners in the future."

This year's benefiting agencies are: Amethyst House, Area 10 Agency on Aging, Center for Behavioral Health, Community Kitchen, Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Martha's House, Mental Health Alliance, Middle Way House, Monroe County United Ministries, Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, Shalom Community Center, Stepping Stones, and Youth Services Bureau. Homeward Bound is sponsored locally by the City of Bloomington.

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