With cold weather on the horizon, many people will be searching for ways to help their neighbors in need put food on the table, buy a warm coat for their child or pay the rent to be sure they have a warm place to sleep. A charitable 5K race Sept.24 through Olympia Fields will provide an opportunity to raise funds that benefit Respond Now and three other area agencies, including South Suburban PADS.
With cold weather on the horizon, many people will be searching for ways to help their neighbors in need put food on the table, buy a warm coat for their child or pay the rent to be sure they have a warm place to sleep.
A charitable 5K race through Olympia Fields will provide an opportunity to raise funds that benefit Respond Now, the social service agency that helps residents of the South Suburbs meet basic needs in times of crisis.
Three other area agencies, including South Suburban PADS, will also benefit from the race.
The Hub Run/Walk to Prevent Homelessness begins at 9 a.m. Sept.24 at Bicentennial Park, 203rd Street and Achilles Avenue in Olympia Fields.
Interested persons can register for the event at www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/115238.
This year’s annual race will also be a fundraiser for The Hub, a network of agencies and individuals created to help people cope with life-changing events that come with a housing crisis.
“The four Hub partners have a strong relationship in our joint battle against poverty,” said Respond Now Executive Director Carl Wolf. “South Suburban PADS, Together We Cope, Ford Heights Community Service Organization and Respond Now collaborate in a great number of ways to serve the entire Southland.
“The motivation to do this 5K together is to show the community that the’go-to’ anti-poverty agencies in the South Suburbs work and play well together. We know that ending poverty has to be a joint effort and this 5K is another way to put that on display.”
Obtaining shelter is a top concern, followed by urgent needs such as food, clothing, legal assistance, medical help, job readiness and job retraining, and professional services like counseling and aid in applying for public benefits.
People in need of assistance can contact The Hub at www.findhelpsouthcook.org and be referred to appropriate agencies and individuals in their neighborhood who have agreed to help those in crisis.
For 47 years, Respond Now, based in Chicago Heights, has served as a community-based agency that enhances quality of life for residents in the South Suburbs by working to alleviate hunger and prevent homelessness for people at risk.
South Suburban PADS’ mission is to prevent and end homelessness. The agency accomplishes its mission through crisis intervention services, housing and supportive services.
Ford Heights Community Service Organization has worked for 43 years offering emergency, supportive and educational services to help stabilize area residents in crisis.
Together We Cope, based in Tinley Park, bridges the gap for those in temporary crisis by providing shelter, food, clothing and referrals that empower people to return to self-sufficiency.