Macomb Community Action to host 34th annual Walk for Warmth

Registration is now open for the 34th annual Macomb Community Action Walk for Warmth. The walk is scheduled for Saturday, May 18 at the Robert A. VerKuilen Building located at 21885 Dunham Road in Clinton Township. On-site registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the walk beginning at 9 a.m. This is a pet friendly event. All funds raised through the event will be used to assist low-income individuals with heat-related emergencies, like paying a utility bill or repairing/replacing a broken furnace.

"This annual event is more than a walk, it's a powerful statement of the caring and commitment to supporting our neighbors in times of need," said Macomb County Executive, Mark Hackel. "By participating in Walk for Warmth, we demonstrate our strength and willingness to lend a hand to those who require assistance staying warm and safe in their homes."

Since it began, Walk for Warmth has raised over $780,000 to help ensure that local families can stay warm in their homes throughout the winter. In 2023 alone, the event helped support a total of 18 households - 12 with utility assistance and another six households with furnace repair/replacement.

"Walk for Warmth has been a signature event to help support our neighbors in need during the winter months," said Andrew Cox, director/health officer of Macomb County Health and Community Services. "It's a fun, healthy way to support Macomb County residents who can really use the help."

"Each year, Macomb County residents, community partners and our sponsors come together to build upon this outstanding legacy and demonstrate that Macomb County is a community of caring," said Ed Scott, director of Macomb Community Action. "The Walk for Warmth is very important for county residents and provides essential support to help heat homes every winter. Join us and participate in this fun, community-focused event."

The following instances illustrate the dramatic impact of community support for Walk for Warmth in Macomb County.

• Macomb Community Action was able to assist a senior resident using Walk for Warmth funds raised by the community. The resident is a 69-year-old widower who lives alone on a fixed retirement income who was working with MCA to connect to community resources. When it was determined he was behind on his electric bill, MCA was able to assist him to prevent his electricity from being disconnected.
• Walk for Warmth funds were also used to help a mother and her 8-year-old son with their natural gas bill to prevent service disconnection. The mother was employed, but was experiencing health concerns that limited her income and led to her falling behind on her bill. Even with a limited income, the family was ineligible for utility assistance programs that were available and therefore, Walk for Warmth funds were used to assist the family and prevent them from "falling through the cracks."

Individuals interested in participating in the 2024 Walk for Warmth can find details and a registration link at W4W2024.eventbrite.com. The registration fee is $25. On the day of event (May 18), registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the walk will begin at 9 a.m.

Scott Turske
586-243-6321
[email protected]

Department:Macomb Community Action

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