Homeward Bound Walk Celebrating Ten Years of Alleviating Homelessness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2012

For more information, please contact:
Kathy Mayer, Community and Family Resources, City of Bloomington, 349.3430

Homeward Bound Walk Celebrating Ten Years of Alleviating Homelessness

More than $500,000 in funds raised for the Bloomington Community

Bloomington, IN - The annual Homeward Bound 5K Walk is the largest collaboration in Bloomington among nonprofits working to end homelessness. Homeward Bound, an effort of the Indiana Association for Community Economic Development, raises funds all over Indiana each year to help alleviate homelessness and poverty. The Bloomington walk hosted by the City of Bloomington's Community and Family Resources Department serves as our community's link to the statewide efforts.

Homeward Bound Bloomington will celebrate its 10th annual walk from noon to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 15 at Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park (formerly Third Street Park). Registration and live music from locally based The Vallures begins at noon. Team members and individuals can enjoy live entertainment and festivities while walking toward eliminating poverty in the Bloomington community. The walk is a free family event featuring activities for children at Kid's Island, games for pets at Pet's Island, refreshments and the opportunity to connect with others within the community.

One hundred percent of the funds generated from the walk support programs at 12 local agencies including Amethyst House, Centerstone, Community Kitchen, Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Martha's House, Middle Way House, Monroe County United Ministries, Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, Shalom Community Center, Stepping Stones Inc. and Youth Services Bureau of Monroe County. New Hope Family Shelter is the newest addition to participating agencies in 2012. This year's goal is $100,000 raised through the participation of 1,000 walkers. Homeward Bound is also collecting canned food donations for Hoosier Hills Food Bank.

Through the agencies' case management programs, clients are able to work toward self-sufficiency and better their lives. This year's Homeward Bound Honorary Spokesperson Crystal Harris was evicted from her home in 2011 and said she was grateful for all of the services that Centerstone and New Hope provided for her family. "These agencies are a blessing in disguise," Harris said. "Homeward Bound is a wonderful opportunity for everybody in the community to fight homelessness and donations truly allow these agencies to be the best they can be."

For more information, contact the Homeward Bound Chair, Kathy Mayer at 349-3430 or by email at mayerk@bloomington.in.gov. You can also get more information by visiting the Homeward Bound website at [http://www.homewardboundindiana.org/bloomington]. Walk, Join, Donate today!

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