Locals walk in the cold for the homeless
Idaho Falls Rescue Mission led a 5K event inviting the community to walk in the cold.
This invitation was an opportunity to fulfill two goals they had in mind-
To raise awareness and address the stigmas associated with homelessness in our community and to raise funds to support nonprofits in our community who provide resources for those facing poverty and homelessness in Southeastern Idaho.
“We are giving a face to homelessness here in Idaho Falls and Southeastern Idaho,” Idaho Falls Rescue Mission employee Kelly Golden said. “We just want to break down stigmas and assumptions that are associated with homelessness.”
They hoped that by taking a long walk in the cold, this would help participants recognize the hardship a homeless person might face on a daily basis.
“Southeastern Idaho gets really cold during the winter time and there is an awful lot of folks that don’t have a warm place to sleep at night,” Golden said. “There are not enough beds or rooms to care for these people and so we’re just raising awareness and funds for that.”
The Rescue Mission partnered with the Salvation Army, Center for Hope, the Crisis Center, East Idaho College, and School districts 91 and 93 to help them raise awareness on this issue.
Orpha Moody runs the Salvation Army in Idaho Falls and she said, “Homelessness is everywhere and people need to be aware. This is happening right here in our own back yard. You would think because it’s cold these people have a place to stay. We at the salvation army along with other groups like us have seen it, and we know that people need to be aware of this.”
More than 80 individuals took part in the chilling walk.
Organizers of the 5K event are grateful for the community’s support.
“We are just so grateful for the generosity of this community. Individually we have been blessed to have so many people come out and support us,” Golden said. “We thank our volunteers and donors for giving their time and talent for this opportunity.”
This is the first year organizers launched a Walk for the Homeless 5K and they plan to make this an annual event.
