This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Hundreds Hike Mt. Diablo to End Homelessness

SHELTER, Inc. hosted its fourth annual Hike for SHELTER on Saturday, October 19 at Mount Diablo State Park. The fundraising program brought together 225 hikers, including 70 kids, for a one-day, four-trail event, raising over $115,000 to end homelessness for thousands of families in our community.

“This was the best day of my life,” said 10-year-old Noah. 

Hike for SHELTER was a one-day fundraising and awareness campaign open to all levels of hikers, from families with strollers, to groups trekking the summit trails.

Find out what's happening in Martinezwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Local celebrities and politicians appeared at the post-hike celebration. Supervisor Candace Andersen said a few words, “County government cannot do this alone. It’s through our valuable partnerships with effective groups such as Shelter, Inc. that lives are changed.”

KTVU sportscaster and the event’s emcee Mark Ibanez spoke with past client Breanna Ford about her experience struggling to stay off the streets. “My case worker stuck by me, over and over again and helped me get through all of it. They didn’t just fix my housing problem they helped me as a woman and mom of three boys.” Ford is a success story; she has a home for her family, a job, and even this year she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.

Find out what's happening in Martinezwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 “Breanna exemplified that with supportive services and housing provided by SHELTER, Inc., homelessness does end with the generous support of the community”, said Executive Director Tim O’Keefe.

The event could not have been possible without the help of over 50 volunteers donating over 250 hours of their time making sure people were safe, hydrated and having a great time.

Over fifteen local and national businesses rallied to support the cause both financially and by providing integral services and goods.

The event’s presenting sponsor was Douglah Designs, Inc., a Lafayette based company that remodels kitchens and baths. “It was a wonderful day for a wonderful cause,” said owner Leila Douglah.

Last year, SHELTER, Inc. helped over 5,000 people with almost half being children.

SHELTER, Inc. gives families a safe place to live, meeting their most basic needs, while offering individualized services such as education, employment development and counseling. With the help of the individuals, faith groups, businesses and foundations, SHELTER, Inc. provides families life-long tools that allow them to transform their lives and the future of their children.

To learn more about SHELTER, Inc., visit www.shelterincofccc.org

ABOUT SHELTER, INC.

SHELTER, Inc. is an independent, charitable, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1986 to alleviate Contra Costa County's homeless crisis whose mission is to prevent and end homelessness for low-income residents of Contra Costa by providing resources that lead to self-sufficiency.


We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?