Hikers raise much-needed money for Hesed House

The seventh annual Hike for Hesed fundraising walk couldn't come at a better time, employees of the homeless services center say.

The hike, scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, comes less than two weeks after Hesed House broke a record for the number of people it provided emergency shelter in one night.

The nonprofit's shelter housed and fed 214 people the evening of Aug. 30 and the morning of Aug. 31, said Mary Ensor, division director of resources.

"The financial impact of the money raised through this hike is absolutely critical to us right now," Ensor said.

Hesed House officials hope to raise $60,000 from this year's hike. Funds will help provide counseling, legal advice, medical care, housing assistance and job skills training, among other services to help Aurora area citizens regain a consistent home.

The hike will cover 3.4 miles, a standard distance similar to a 5K. But unlike many charity 5K walks, the course won't circle a manicured park or a scenic lake.

It'll take participants on a walk many who find themselves at Hesed House, 659 S. River St., often take out of necessity.

"We walk from here to the transportation center and back," Hesed House Executive Director Ryan Dowd said. "It's very intentional."

It's 1.7 miles northeast and across the Fox River from Hesed House to the Aurora Transportation Center, which helps Hesed House guests and residents catch trains toward Chicago or buses toward other suburban destinations and often brings them from their temporary home to work.

"That's a pretty common destination," Dowd said.

Walkers can sign up as individuals or on teams and seek sponsors to pledge funds for their walk. Anyone who raises $25 or more will receive a Hike for Hesed T-shirt.

To register in advance, visit hesedhouse.org and click on the Hike for Hesed page. Registration will continue at 9 a.m. hike day.

And look out for walkers along South River Street, West Benton Street as it crosses the Fox River, and North Broadway Street during the hiking period of 10 a.m. to noon.

Once hikers arrive back at Hesed House, a picnic lunch with a DJ will greet them.

"It's a very uplifting experience. Just the general support from people along the sides of the roads understanding the urgency in helping the homeless in our area," Ensor said. "When you're walking with others who are advocating for the same things we do, there's power in that."

If you go

What: Seventh annual Hike for Hesed fundraising walk

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10

Where: Starts and ends at Hesed House, 659 S. River St., Aurora

Who: Sponsored by Hesed House

Cost: Walkers are asked to get sponsors and donate $25 or more

Info: (630) 897-2156, ext. 542, or hesedhouse.org