Community event raises money to help homeless individuals obtain housing

Riverside, Calif. – The 5K Walk to End Homelessness, which seeks to raise $35,000 for programs that help people who are homeless, is Saturday, April 13, at Fairmount Park, 2601 Fairmount Boulevard in downtown Riverside. Participants can register at RiversideCa.gov/walk.

Several hundred adults, students and children participate in the event each year as a way of making a difference in the lives of homeless individuals and families. The money that is raised through the event provides opportunities for homeless people to change their lives and become self-sufficient.

“The Walk to End Homelessness is a great way for Riversiders to come together and raise funds to support people taking steps to change their condition,” Mayor Rusty Bailey said. “Our neighbors without homes need our assistance in becoming self-sufficient, and the Walk is a real community-based effort toward that goal.”

Registration starts at 7 a.m., and the event begins at 8 a.m. The walk starts near the bandshell in the southeast corner of Fairmount Park, circles Lake Evans and finishes back near the bandshell.

Registration is $35 for adults, $20 for students with a valid student ID and $5 for those under 18. There also are opportunities to sponsor a family for $5,000; sponsor an individual for $2,500; or sponsor a youth for $1,000.

Non-profit organizations, social services organizations, faith-based institutions, and families all come out to the walk to raise money and bring awareness to how we can help homeless individuals.

“Riverside is a caring community,” Mayor Pro Tem Mike Soubirous said. “This event provides an opportunity to raise funds to help people who are trying to help themselves.”

For more information on resources, programs, registration, sponsorships and volunteering visit wwwRiversideCa.gov/walk.

More information about efforts to reduce homelessness in Riverside can be found at:https://riversideca.gov/homelesssolutions/