Race to End Homelessness on June 10th at Run Home Chicago, Hosted by the Primo Center
As Chicagoans, we’re far too accustomed to having a large and often overlooked homeless community, especially now thanks to the still-lingering recession and high unemployment rate. A recent survey by Chicago Coalition for the Homeless reported that 45% of Chicago’s homeless –nearly 40,000 people—were families, and of that, 32% were children.
We can all do something to help effect change on June 10, when Run Home Chicago will be holding its first annual race to end homelessness. The Primo Center is hosting this event along with other local nonprofits dedicated to fighting this issue, whose members will be running at our sides. All funds that are raised at this event will be direct contributions to emotional support resources, medical services, shelter upkeep and other charity operations that directly help homeless individuals, families and children reorder their lives and maintain stability.
So mark your calendars now, and start keeping track of your jogging pace and please plan to join us. The race day events, which will take place at Soldier Field, include a 10K race, a 5K race and a Kids’ Dash–a perfect family event that is active, outdoors and promotes a positive message to all ages. Things get underway at 8:00 a.m for the 10K; 8:15 for the 5K; and 9:30 a.m. for the Kid’s Dash. Come early to check-in and gear-up. Doors open at 7 a.m. and early birds can hear guest speakers and pre-race inspirational speeches.
While homelessness has become an unfortunate reality for many, it is our duty to honor those in need, especially within our own communities. There is power in numbers, and together we can do much more to foster security, safety and solidity for all Chicagoans without proper roofs over their heads. Our Primo Center community already recognizes this, and we are constantly striving to open our arms to women and children all over our city who, for many reasons and given particular circumstances, are estranged from their homes or families and left to the city’s streets with nowhere to turn. Everyday, we take in and help house those without roofs over their heads by providing shelter, beds, food, and other necessities for a comforting stay at our shelter.
Let’s face it: nobody intends on being homeless–it’s not a last resort; it’s what happens when people hit rock-bottom. At the Primo Center, we recognize and understand the emotional and physical toll that the realities of homelessness can instill in people’s lives and outlooks. That’s precisely why we’ve decided to host the first annual Run Home Chicago race. It’s a viable way to promote the fight against homelessness, expand awareness of these issues and raise funds to continue providing shelter and support services to address traumatic experiences.
For more information regarding the Run Home Chicago races and registration, please visit our site at: www.runhomechicago.org.