Homelessness is 24/7, 365, spring, summer, fall and winter for thousands of men, women and children across our country. It's estimated that at any point in time, more than 600,000 people are homeless in the United States, 15,000 in the state of Pennsylvania, and more than 600 in the city of Philadelphia alone. In cold colder climates like the Northeastern United States, the winter months can be pa
rticularly challenging for the homeless as they struggle to eat, stay warm and stay alive living in and out of homeless shelters or on the streets. There are various causes of homelessness and it often co-exists with substance addiction and mental illness. Most homeless have been abandoned by their families and friends, and are unable to self sustain. Regardless of the causes of homelessness, YOU CAN HELP! By participating in the Homeless For The Holidays 5K Run / 2.5K Walk, you will be providing food, shelter and much needed winter essentials for those that need them most. Proceeds from this event will go directly to two organizations in Philadelphia that strive on a daily basis to help the poor and homeless: St. Francis Inn and The Last Stop. St Francis Inn (www.stfrancisinn.org) and The Last Stop are both located in the Kensington section of Philadelphia, directly across the street from one another, providing addiction recovery, meals and shelter to thousands of poor and homeless people in one of the poorest sections of Philadelphia. Francis Inn has been serving meals to the neediest individuals and families in Philadelphia seven days/week since 1979. The Inn serves more than 350 meals a day with dignity and respect, restaurant-style; guests don’t walk through a line to get their food. Compassionate volunteers serve them at tables. Francis Inn relies on the generosity of local grocery stores and businesses as well as churches and individuals to donate food. Volunteers come daily to help cook, serve and clean. Francis Inn also provides food baskets for families and homebound seniors. The Last Stop Clubhouse serves as a recovery house for addicts from all walks of life. Walking through Last Stop’s doors, people of all ages and races join together for one common goal: to get and stay clean. The Last Stop also provides food and shelter at several houses in the area, where those in need receive support from caring staff, volunteers and each other. Your participation in the Homeless For The Holidays 5K Run / 2.5K Walk WILL make a difference in the lives of people you'll likely never meet or see. But rest assured, they are out there today and every day, struggling to feed and shelter themselves and their families.
