BRATTLEBORO — Morningside Shelter will hold its second annual Hike for the Homeless fundraising event on Saturday, Oct. 6 (with a rain date of Oct. 7) on Mount Wantastiquet in Hinsdale, N.H.
The event will feature spectacular fall-foliage views of downtown Brattleboro, with options to hike to the summit of Mount Wantastiquet or walk along the river trail at its base.
Participants may begin their hike at the Mountain Road trailhead (an immediate left after the second bridge on Route 119 when coming from downtown Brattleboro) anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Hikers can raise funds individually or as a team. Individual participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of $50. The suggested minimum for teams is $250. Participants may also register by donation on the day of the hike. Registered participants receive a free gift and refreshments. All proceeds benefit Morningside Shelter.
Morningside is the only year-round homeless shelter in southeastern Vermont. The facility, which offers 29 beds for homeless families and individuals, also runs a number of outreach programs.
“We have been operating with a long waiting list for the past several years,” said Executive Director Joshua Davis. “This fundraiser is our largest of the year, and significantly impacts our annual budget.”
“Homelessness remains a critical issue in our community,” said Libby Bennett, development coordinator at Morningside. “Our services have been in high demand, especially during the last few years. We rely on supporters to join us in transforming the lives of some of our community's most vulnerable.”
Bennett said that more than 80 participants hiked at last year's event and raised $11,000 in support of the shelter.
Those who wish to participate in the Hike for the Homeless should visit Morningside's fundraising website. Any questions may be directed to Bennett at lbennett@morningsideshelter.org or 802-257-0066, ext. 101.