Walk aims to fight homlessness in city

For the past three years, a path through historic Bloomington has paved the way for walkers to learn more about homelessness in their community.\nHomeward Bound, Indiana's 5K walk to help fight homelessness, kicks off this Sunday at 2 p.m. in Third Street Park. The route meanders through Prospect Hill, the near west side, Old Northeast and downtown. Along the way, walkers will also have the chance to listen to music in Dunn Meadow.\nHomeward Bound is a state-wide program, which is focused on raising awareness about homelessness. Walks take place in seven other Indiana cities, from Evansville to Michigan City.\nBloomington's is the second most successful walk, next to Indianapolis'. Last year, with over 600 participants, Bloomington raised $60,000. Michael Reinke, executive director of Indiana Coalition on Housing and Homelessness Issues, said that organization is the key to Bloomington's continued success. \n"It's not just a fund raiser, they turn it into a 'friend-raiser.' The task of raising money seems daunting, but they were able to reach out to people who were never asked for money before and wanted to help," Reinke said.\nDarrell Stone, co-chair of Bloomington's Homeward Bound thinks that homelessness deserves more attention. \n"This walk helps raise the awareness of the problem and the calling we have to serve our neighbors in need," said Stone. "We are one community. Homelessness and affordable housing is about all of us. This is not an 'us' versus 'them.'"\nThe walk will benefit 13 community organizations. Along the route, signs will explain how each organization helps the homeless.\n"This walk is about the coming together of 13 agencies and education they can provide a community about a social issue in crisis," said Stone.\nSuzanne Koesel, chief operating officer at Behavioral Health Services, plans on putting the money into a fund which helps her clients address short-term needs, such as paying apartment utility bills. \n"Walking is a way to bring the community together," said Koesel. "It's an easy and wonderful way to make a contribution."\nThere is no registration fee for the walk, just a donation. Interested participants can sign up with a team or donate individually on the day of the event or through their Web site, www.homelesswalks.org. Stone said that several IU student groups, departments and staff have already registered for the event.\n"As college students, it seems imperative to use the gift of opportunity to help those who at this moment are not able," said Stone. "No matter where you choose to live after college, homelessness and issues of affordable housing will surround you."\nReinke said across the country, 1 percent of the population will experience homelessness over the course of a given year. \n"People should participate in the walk because it shows our solidarity as a community," said Reinke. "There's a moral issue in walking. It helps support people without a home."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Jessica Levco at jlevco@indiana.edu.