HomeAid San Diego, a nonprofit organization working to provide services to mitigate the homelessness crisis in San Diego County, hosted its fourth annual STEP UP! 5k Walk to End Homelessness at De Anza Cove in Mission Bay on Sunday, Nov. 13.
The event attracted more than 200 attendees and raised more than $60,000 to support HomeAid San Diego and its programs, funding the organization’s mission to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness build new lives through construction, community engagement and education.
With the help of AvalonBay Communities, who served as the event’s premier sponsor, along with more than 20 other local businesses and organizations, the event raised funds for HomeAid San Diego’s building projects, community outreach and advocacy efforts. For those who were unable to attend in person, the event continues Nov. 14-20 as a virtual 5k in locations throughout the country.
“We are so grateful for the support of so many members of our community who came together to support the mission of HomeAid San Diego,” said Executive Director, Mary Lydon. “It’s going to take a village to mitigate the impacts of homelessness including the private sector, the public sector, foundations, service providers and an army of dedicated volunteers. All were represented here today.”
The event also featured an award ceremony, honoring 10 individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to HomeAid San Diego and to alleviating the suffering of homeless in the San Diego region. Following the walk and award ceremony, attendees were also invited to participate in a complimentary breakfast with a presentation that highlighted HomeAid San Diego’s key accomplishments in the last two decades, including the success of its new Workforce Opportunities for Rebuilding through Knowledge and Skills (WORKS) Program.
Since its launch this spring, HomeAid San Diego has trained and graduated three cohorts of their WORKS construction training program, providing participants with technical construction training, education and job opportunities. The program addresses the critical labor shortage in the home building industry while creating sustainable careers for at-risk youth, men, women and veterans who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness or exiting homelessness.
Event sponsors included AvalonBay Communities, Brookfield Properties, City National Bank, IQHQ, JPI, C&S Companies, Whiting-Turner, Swinerton, Turner Construction, U.S. Bank, Buchalter, Lowe, Delawie, Staci Reidinger Public Relations, GEOCON, Burnham Center for Community Advancement, Nova, Gensler, NAIOP, League of Women Voters, ULI San Diego-Tijuana, Lucky Duck Foundation, PATH and Downtown San Diego Partnership.
For more information about the event, visit: homeaidsd.org/events/homeaidsdwalk2022. To learn more about HomeAid San Diego’s WORKS program, visit: homeaidsd.org/works.
