Outrunning Homelessness is Coming Up

Friends and families will come together to help School On Wheels of Massachusetts take steps to end the cycle of homelessness during the fifth annual Outrunning Homelessness 5K Race and Fun Walk Saturday, April 25 at 9 a.m. at DCR’s Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave., Easton. Registration and check-in begins at 8 a.m.

SOWMA is the only organization in the state providing customized academic services to children impacted by homelessness. Dedicated to helping each child reach his or her full academic potential, SOWMA currently provides one-on-one tutoring and new backpacks and school supplies to more than 200 students in kindergarten through college in Brockton, Stoughton, Randolph, Norwell, Weymouth and New Bedford.

With an estimated 37,000 homeless children enrolled in Massachusetts public schools and an estimated dropout rate of more than 75 percent among homeless teens, SOWMA has seen dramatic growth in the need for its life-changing services.

Businesses, teams and individuals are invited to participate in the Outrunning Homelessness Run and Fun Walk to help SOWMA meet its fundraising goal of $50,000. The support helps SOWMA continue to provide educational support to its students. Families are encouraged to bring kids and pets out to enjoy a fun spring day.

DJHollisto will provide the tempo and tunes, and the Easton Mom’s Club is sponsoring kids’ activities at the end of the race/walk. Forming a team is a great way to build camaraderie among friends, neighbors or coworkers and make a positive impact in the community.

Outrunning Homelessness co-founder and race director Dennis Harkins of Easton feels confident Outrunning Homelessness will raise $50,000 in 2015.

“While the financial goal for SOWMA’s Outrunning Homelessness Race & Fun Walk may change from year to year, the purpose remains constant: to bring the community together to support SOWMA’s mission of providing academic support and one-on-one tutoring/mentoring to children impacted by homelessness,” Harkins said.

Outrunning Homelessness Race & Fun Walk was founded in 2011 by a group of Oliver Ames High School student volunteers including Harkins. Last year, more than 600 dedicated individuals and over 20 corporate sponsors came together to raise $40,600. This year’s event has already reached the halfway point of its $50,000 goal through sponsorship. Online registration is now open on RaceWire (www.racewire.com). To learn more about this and other SOWMA programs, visit www.sowma.org.