Joseph’s House in Camden invites all to take part in its upcoming Virtual 5K, and take steps to end homelessness.
The Nov. 8-14 event will kick off Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week and celebrate 10 years of Joseph’s House service to the community.
In January 2011, due to the vision of a team of individuals that included the late Msgr. Joseph McDermott, then-pastor of Saint Joseph’s Pro-Cathedral in Camden, Joseph’s House first opened its doors as a drop-in night café on Stevens Street, with volunteers preparing and serving meals to the homeless that were looking for warm shelter and food.
In August of 2013, the organization moved to Atlantic Avenue and began operating year-round with hospitality to 75-80 guests per night, as well as individualized social services.
Today, guided by its mission of “caring for God’s presence in our midst,” the nonprofit continues as a “one-stop shop” to provide the homeless with food and shelter and also help with medical, employment and housing services, and counseling for mental health and addiction.
Adjusting in the face of COVID-19, Joseph’s House has reduced the number of guests, along with table seating and overnight cots; has put in place portable hand washing stations, hand sanitizers and temperature checks; has undergone occasional coronavirus testing of staff, guests and volunteers; and limited the number of in-person volunteer activities.
Dinner, breakfast and showers are still available, as well as access to the laundry facilities and computer lab.
A Virtual 5K allows participants to run or walk the distance at their own pace, whenever and wherever they want, between Nov. 8 and 14.
The Joseph’s House 5K participants are encouraged to create fundraising teams with friends and family, and share photos and videos. Registration is free. The first 200 individuals or team members to raise $50 or more, will receive a T-shirt commemorating the walk featuring the virtual 5K logo, designed by local artist Brother Mickey McGrath. OSFS.
To register, www.jhoc.org/walk. For those unable to complete the 5K, but willing to donate, go to www.mightycause.com/event/Jh-Virtual-5k
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