South County Walks for the Homeless
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Hundreds of supporters gathered at Ski Butternut to participate in Construct Inc.'s 22nd annual Walk for the Homeless.
Proceeds from the walk, a three-mile trek from Butternut basin to Construct’s home base on Mahaiwe Street, go toward replenishing Construct’s emergency fund, which dried up in June this year, much earlier than expected because of the more than 5,000 calls the agency received requesting emergency financial assistance.
In addition to its emergency services, Construct also provides comprehensive housing, counseling and educational services to those in need. In 2009, the organization provided more than $43,000 in immediate financial aid to prevent homelessness, found shelter for more than 46 residents and helped nearly 200 people avoid eviction. According to walker Brian Sisco, Construct’s relentless hard work has earned a reputation in all spheres of the Southern Berkshire community.
“I’m here to support a good cause,” he said, awaiting his orange “walk” sticker. “I know Construct does good things for the community. This is my first time walking and I’m definitely going to come back.”
Walkers of all ages gathered to support the cause. The elderly, area teens, families with strollers (and dogs) in tow and even a few clowns all converged on Route 23 to the surprise and curiosity of passers-by. In addition to individual walkers, groups representing businesses and community organizations also gathered in a show of solidarity. One such group, the “Get Fit” team from Berkshire South Regional Community Center, raised more than $300 for the cause while pursuing the goal of personal fitness.
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"This is really good for our mission and for the community,” said team member Tammy Schmidt, proudly wearing the team’s yellow T-shirt. “Get Fit is an eight-week challenge that encourages people to live a healthier life. We're in week six and so far for the group we’ve had a total weight loss of 323 pounds."
The reward of good exercise for a good cause was also matched by gorgeous weather and a feast of food donated by area restaurants. As walkers approached the “finish line” volunteers were there to greet them with the triumphant ringing of cowbells and the cheering of onlookers for a job well done.
