10th Annual Hustle Up The Hill & Flat 1K Walk For The Homeless
Mt. Hoy, Blackwell Forest Preserve
Warrenville, IL
September 21, 2024
Heats 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM
Or participate virtually - complete the race anytime between September 24th & 30th
Challenge yourself to run/walk up Mt. Hoy or, new this year, complete the flat 1K walk for this cause.
All proceeds from the event will go to house a homeless family for 2 years as they transition to self-sufficiency in partnership with the Bridge Communities program.
Cost is $30 per person or $25 per person with a team of four or more. Race day registration is $35.
Beautiful Mt. Hoy, which rises 836 feet above sea level, gives you an awesome panoramic view of the western suburbs and if the skies are clear, you can see the Chicago skyline in the distance.
Each round trip up and down Mt. Hoy is approximately .3 miles, but involves a variable incline. Walk or run to see how many times you can make it up and down the hill in 30 minutes.
Run solo or form a team. Run with the family. Do your thing. T-shirts and gourmet coffee await you at the finish line.
If you're not racing this year, but still want to help, please consider making a donation directly to Bridge Communities.
Bridge Communities, with the help of local program partners (such as St. Irene’s in Warrenville and St. Timothy’s in Naperville), provides free transitional housing to 131 homeless families each year. During the two years each family spends in the program, they learn budgeting skills, save money and obtain better employment, so they can live self-sufficiently once they graduate.
Over the years, proceeds from Hustle Up the Hill have helped this program support 9 families as they worked toward transitioning to stability. Families graduate from the 2-year program after being able to obtain section 8 housing for their family or securing other affordable housing which provide them with long-term financial security. Before leaving the program, one of our adopted families thanked the volunteer mentors with the following words:
"I wanted to let you all know that I am extremely thankful for you all; your patience, time, commitment, hopefulness, understanding, generosity, sympathy and helpfulness. I know that I am truly blessed to have you all a part of my life and my son’s life as well."
As a Bridge partner, we are proud to announce that we are currently working with our 8th and 9th families, with mentors waiting to assist a 10th family. Every adopted family meets weekly with our team of volunteers. They work together on budgeting, goal setting and improving health through better nutrition. In addition, we address debt, increasing saving, and help with education and job search activities. The end goal is self-sufficiency after 2 years and to end the cycle of homelessness one family at a time.