Despite the cold weather and rain, hundreds of runners gathered in Downtown Atlanta on Feb. 15 for the Atlanta Mission 5K Race to End Homelessness. This annual event aims to combat homelessness by raising money and spreading awareness.
Homelessness is a critical issue in Atlanta that has been escalating over the years, affecting thousands of people throughout the city. Each 5K registration cost pays for one night of shelter and aid for an unhoused individual. It gives people an opportunity to receive services and recover from poor physical or mental conditions.
“I think today is just a highlight of what it’s like to be in the shoes of someone that’s homeless,” Atlanta Mission staff member Jack Griffin said. “It’s freezing cold and it’s raining, so I think having a large population in our city experience this is just awesome.
President and CEO of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty David Boehmig said that because the race takes place in the winter, people are able to be exposed to the conditions that homeless people in Atlanta face daily.
“This is especially appropriate, because they hold this race in February and here it is raining and cold,” Boehmig said. “We’re out here all bundled up in our fancy jackets, leggings, wool and all of that, but we’re still a little cold. So being able to experience what some people have to live with for 24 hours a day, even just for a few moments, sends an important message that this is a cause we should try to support to try to end this.”
Race participant Joseph Phillips said he was once a victim of homelessness, and it has led him to understand the gravity of the issue and increase his effort in supporting the homeless population.
“I think it’s a really big issue for sure,” Phillips said. “I see a lot of homeless people when I’m driving to work and it really touches my heart, so I try to donate and give money when I can. I’ve been a victim of homelessness as well, and I’ve lived in my car before, so I think this is a really great cause.”
Michelle Massey, a counselor at Haynes Bridge Middle School, attended the race and said some of her students are impacted by homelessness. She hopes that this event will help spread awareness to this problem.
“We’re school counselors, so we work with students from different populations and we have students that are homeless, so it’s near and dear,” Massey said. “Hopefully this will help people understand the seriousness and help them want to get involved more.”
Massey said she noticed that every person participating was enthusiastic about committing to the cause.
“There’s more energy here than other races, because it’s raining and cold, so the people that are out here truly want to be out here,” Massey said. “The energy here has been high-impact energy the whole race, and you can tell people really want to be here because this is a really important cause.”
Tiffany Hudson is a counselor at Taylor Road Middle school and ran in the race. She said that it’s good to see just how many people came to this event and are supporting the cause.
“It’s good to see the sponsors out here and just so many people that care and are coming out here to support a great cause,” Hudson said. “This whole experience has just been top notch.”
Melanie Walker, a volunteer from the Victory Midtown Church, said the issue impacts so many people throughout the city, and she believes the community has a responsibility to advocate for the movement.
“I feel that as a community, we have a responsibility to fight back and help with homelessness,” Walker said. “There’s so many people experiencing insecurity with homelessness and we can do more to try and end it. I think that it’s really high in Atlanta, and I personally feel it’s a big area of focus that we need to help with more.”
Boehmig said community members can help advance the cause by donating time and resources to one of the many homeless efforts in the community.
“Individuals can make a difference by leaning in,” Boehmig said. “There are so many wonderful homeless efforts in Atlanta and just pick one that resonates with you and just lean in, support it with your time, or with the resources to help get additional resources to those who are struggling.”
Walker said she hopes the conditions of the race inspire people to help fight against homelessness in Atlanta and make contributions to local movements in the future.
“I hope that although people are out here running in the cold in the rain that they continue to feel inspired to give back and to contribute to the organization or other organizations that fight against homelessness,” Walker said.
