Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is hosting the SHINE THE LIGHT walk on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Antelope Park to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people experiencing unsheltered homelessness during the winter. The 1-mile family-friendly walk is an opportunity for community members to imagine what homelessness feels like in the winter and learn how to help.
“One of our core values at Matt Talbot is compassion,” said Alynn Sampson, Executive Director. “We invite the community to join us in seeking to genuinely understand and help alleviate the suffering associated with homelessness, especially during the cold winter months.”
The walk will begin at 5 p.m. on the walking path by the South Antelope Park Enclosed Shelter near the playground. Free parking is available. A half-mile marked loop will take walkers around the playground, Auld Pavilion Recreation Center, and Veterans Memorial Garden. Participants are encouraged to walk the loop two times. All registered walkers will receive a stocking cap and a glow stick to place on the HOPE hanger at the end of the walk.
According to the most recent Point-In-Time count, the number of individuals experiencing chronic, unsheltered homelessness in Lincoln has nearly doubled in the past year. In addition, Matt Talbot has seen a 35% increase in on-site meals and a 20% increase in the number of guests served.
“The needs are ongoing, increasing, and becoming more complex,” said Sampson. “This walk is a great chance for us to partner with the community and illuminate our efforts to defeat homelessness through hunger relief, outreach, housing programs, and substance use services.”
Organizers invite participants to bring donations of hand and foot warmers to the walk. Donations can also be dropped off at Matt Talbot Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
