Client storytelling is a staple of the nonprofit business model, ever present in advocacy, clinic tours, fundraising—and news articles like the one you are reading right now.
11.08.21
On a crisp November morning in Patterson Park, 250 runners, walkers, supporters and volunteers came out for the 8th annual Rock Your Socks 5K. And it felt gooood to be back together in person!
Keenan Gainous (pictured left with Client Relations Coordinator Malcolm Williams), was one of the 28 client-volunteers who helped us make magic on Saturday. "I came out because I wanted to give back," Keenan says, reflecting on the positive atmosphere in the park, "and I had such a beautiful day."
"Health Care for the Homeless has always been there for me, and I wasn't going to pass up a chance to be there with them."
The $76,500 raised is enough to give check ups, treatments, prescription refills, dental fillings and so much more to 153 of our neighbors like Keenan. He didn't know what to expect from his first Rock Your Socks 5K, but Keenan has no doubt he'll be back next year. "I had so much fun that now my fiance wants to come next year, too!"
Who wore it best? Outran the rest? Find it all in our 5K photo gallery.
This year's 5K participants really raised the bar for 2022. A select few sprinted to the top as the fastest, most stylish, and skilled fundraisers of the bunch.
Highest fundraising individual: David Dexter (raised more than $2,200!)
Highest fundraising team: Happy Feet, raising more than $4,700! (Captain: Erin Garrett)
Fastest runners by category:
Calling all Captains
The staff at Health Care for the Homeless brought their A-game, as they captained nine 5K teams that raised a collective $8,900, including:
Thank you for all the dedication and passion you bring to this vital work each day. Meet our staff team captains here.
A special thank you to our sponsors, whose support ensures that every donation dollar you raised is giving our neighbors without homes a place for trusted care when they need it.
A team of 44 volunteers were on hand from the early hours to help build race village, cheer on runners and walkers, and keep everyone safely hydrated along the course.
Client storytelling is a staple of the nonprofit business model, ever present in advocacy, clinic tours, fundraising—and news articles like the one you are reading right now.
The Trans Rights Advocacy Coalition (TRAC) has been the driving force in championing trans rights policy changes in Maryland. Due to stigma and structural discrimination, transgender people—particularly transgender people of color—experience high rates of homelessness. Following the implementation of the Trans Health Equity Act in January, we talked with TRAC leadership about their work and community.
Since starting in January 2022, REI Health Specialist Arie Hayre-Somuah, LMSW, MPH has worked with our clinical teams to identify health disparities and move us closer to health equity. This year, she is turning her focus to the topic of health literacy.
We are delighted to announce the promotion of Hanna Mast from Senior Communications Manager to Director of Communications. Get to know more about her work in the Q&A below!