This Saturday April 24, New London will be hosting the 3rd annual “Walk For The Homeless”, an event organized to raise awareness about the issue and support the Homeless Hospitality Center of New London.
Nine Connecticut College students, as a part of their community-learning seminar in the Holleran Center for Community Action and Public Policy (PICA) have partnered with the Hospitality Shelter to create the three-mile route, which passes by sites in New London that serve the homeless members of the community. The Shelter currently provides 50 beds every night and last year served over 400 guests.
It also supports over seventy homeless citizens as they strive towards ending their homelessness status through job placements, housing acquisitions and encouraging the build-up of personal savings.
Homelessness is a growing problem in New London, as a result of the recession-poor economy and lack of support from the community, which has decreased over the years. As homelessness has increased, so have the negative stigmas about New London.
“There is a really negative perception of New London on our campus because of all the homelessness”, explained Janet Tso ’12. “It is our duty as Connecticut College students to help and support our college town and make it a safer, more attractive environment.”
As students can get involved by becoming a sponsor, walking the route, or volunteering on the day of the walk, all of which are steps toward alleviating the problem. The Shelter also welcomes any food and beverage donations.
Registration on the day of the walk, April 24, is from 9 AM to 10 AM at the Homeless Hospitality Center — 19 Jay Street, New London. There is a $12 entry donation for individuals that register before the day of the event, a $10 per person entry donation for groups of five, and a $9 per person entry donation of groups of ten or more. Each entry donation increases by $3 the day of the walk. Walkers are encouraged to get additional sponsors.
