(Utica, NY- Feb. 9, 2013) A total of 438 walkers braved 15-degree weather and fresh snowfall Saturday morning (Feb. 9) to “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” for the homeless and hungry.
Besides bringing attention to the winter plight of those in need, the walkers raised $20,000 for the Rescue Mission of Utica, Executive Director Rev. Bill Dodge announced.
“You have now experienced the fact that being homeless is not a walk in the park,” Rev. Dodge told the crowd, adding that the Rescue Mission was able to assist 569 homeless men in its emergency shelter this past year,
The walkers included all ages — from toddlers to senior citizens — who trekked from City Hall to the Rescue Mission on Rutger Street and back to City Hall. County Executive Anthony Picente, Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri and County Sheriff Robert Maciol led the walk, carrying a Rescue Mission banner.
Homeless author Mike Yankowski, who was supposed to help lead the event, sent a videotaped message to walkers after winter storm Nemo canceled his flight out of Vancouver, British Columbia. He praised the walkers for helping to raise awareness of the homeless and was thankful for “the willingness of people like you who stand up and say, ‘we’re going to make a difference’.”
To better understand the plight of the homeless, Yankowski spent five months on the streets. He ate from trashcans, went to homeless shelters, slept under bridges, and panhandled in order to survive. Upon his return he wrote the book, “Under the Overpass,” which captures his experiences and revelations he says that have forever changed his life.
Following the walk, participants warmed up in Westminister Presbyterian Church and enjoyed soup, coffee, doughnuts and other treats while awaiting the awards ceremony.
Rev. Dodge thanked sponsors and awarded prizes to the three largest groups of walkers:
1. Gilroy, Kernan and Gilroy received the award for the largest group from a business.
2. The City of Utica Schools Young Scholars received the largest group award.
3. Bethel Baptist Church received the award for having the largest church contingent.