Good Works Inc. will kick off its 2nd Annual Walk for the Homeless on Saturday.
The purpose of the walk is to educate people about the issue of homelessness, said walk coordinator Craig Garrison. Profits from the walk directly help the year-round operation of the Timothy House, on Central Avenue, which is the only shelter that caters to men, women and children in the seven-county region of Southeast Ohio.
Founder and director of Good Works Keith Wasserman started the foundation in his basement during his senior year at Ohio University in 1981. Wasserman wanted to reach out to the people who had no place to stay. In 1984, the Timothy House was established. Now, it serves 200 to 300 homeless per year, providing a safe and stable environment in which they can stay. House staff also empower residents to find support and make connections in the community.
Sue Biddle, who was on the walk's design team last year, stressed the importance of the walk because funding for the Timothy House has been limited due to government cutbacks. Biddle volunteers at the Timothy House one weekend a month and looks forward to leading a team from Christ Lutheran Church on Saturday.
Garrison said more than 400 people walked last year and raised $43,000, surpassing their goal of $15,000. As of Jan. 12, 300 walk packets had been passed out. Each walker was asked to find 10 sponsors to donate $10 each.
The 3.5-mile walk begins Saturday at 9 a.m. at Athens First United Methodist Church, 2 S. College St. Garrison said there would be two stops along the walk to hear speakers directly affected by homelessness. A rice and bean lunch will be served at the church at 1p.m. after the walk.
Larry Jageman, an OU professor in the College of Education, participated in the walk last year. The walk is inspirational
he said. The stories they tell are inspiring and dig at your heart.
Jageman, also a Good Works volunteer, said anyone and everyone could be homeless. The walk helps people appreciate life and put the issue of homelessness into perspective. Good Works itself inspires people because it helps people better their lives, he said.
We are a Christian organization trying to put hands and feet to our faith said Wasserman. The walk is a way to demonstrate that in the community.
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Carolyn Casey
