Walk With Family 5K to support Interfaith Hospitality Network's work with homeless families

Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cincinnati is hosting its first-ever fundraising walk, Walk With Family 5K, on Saturday, Nov. 14 in Eden Park.

IHNGC started out as an emergency shelter and has been helping the homeless community since 1991. Its day center serves as a resource for families to use as a storage space if they are between homes, a place use the computer lab or do laundry or to just relax.

The fundraising walk will help IHGNC continue to help the homeless community. The organization saw a 30 percent increase in families served this year versus last year, says Development Assistant Kamal Kimball.

IHNGC’s model is unique, as it partners with local congregations of various faiths, including Catholic, Episcopal, Jewish, Unitarian, Muslim, etc. Interfaith Hospitality Networks in Ohio are located in Lebanon, Xenia, Columbus and Cleveland.

A bus takes clients from the center to the congregations, where they stay overnight. IHGNC residents usually come to the center for up to 30 days, depending on their situation, and sometimes it can take months for families to get themselves back on their feet.

“We work with them on what it will take to get their life back on track,” Kimball says. “We really hope to bring more attention to the issue of homelessness.”

Do Good:

• Register for the Walk With Family 5K, which begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, with on-site registration opening at 9 a.m. Race begins and ends at Seasongood Pavilion near the Cincinnati Art Museum. Pre-registration is $25, and day-of registration is $35.

• Learn more about Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cincinnati on its website.

• Donate your time to help support IHGNC’s mission.