The Winter Walk, on Sunday, January 31 this year, allows participants to experience a sliver of what homeless people go through each day and is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Sarah’s Circle, a nonprofit that serves women who are homeless or in need of safe space.
“Walking in the winter underscores the idea of being homeless,” explains Kathy Ragnar, executive director of the group, which serves more than 600 women each year—many of whom endure the frigid winter on the streets.
The event not only raises funds for Sarah’s Circle but also increases awareness and understanding for homelessness in general.
This year, Sarah’s Circle is serving 20 percent more women than last year, and serving twice the amount of meals it has in the past, all while funding is down significantly.
The Winter Walk is intended for anyone who wants to better understand homelessness and/or make a difference, Ragnar says. Kids, high schoolers, teams and groups are more than welcome.
Event Details:
January 31, 2010, 1 p.m.
Sarah’s Circle
4750 N. Sheridan Road, Suite 220, Chicago IL 60640
Free; pledges are encouraged.
Register at www.sarahs-circle.org
Starting at 1 p.m., participants will walk for 40 minutes through Chicago’s historic and diverse Uptown neighborhood, led by board or staff members and accompanied by some of the women the organization serves.
Along the way, the leaders make 5 stops, telling the story of a woman’s life and how she became homeless.
The event ends at Sarah’s Circle headquarters with a short presentation and a dinner of hot dogs, soup and desserts.
Sarah’s Circle’s mission is to serve women who are homeless or in need of a safe space. The organization has provided support for thousands of women over the course of its 30-year history.
Today, Sarah’s Circle offers comprehensive physical services, permanent supportive housing, a network of resources and a community to women affected by homelessness. The group encourages women to empower themselves by rebuilding both emotionally and physically, and realizing their unique potential as women.
To learn more, visit the Sarah’s Circle website.
