Dogs, men in high heels among Saturday walkers for Shelter House programs

COLDWATER — Rain cooled off the early 5K run, but the sun broke through for the 10:30 Saturday "Walk in their Shoes" fundraising march against domestic violence on Monroe Street.

Branch County Coalition Against Domestic Sexual Violence Executive Director Kim Hemker said, "This is our biggest fundraiser of the year. It's really what pays our day-to-day (expenses)."

Although turnout in the weather was lower than usual, after all the pledges and sponsor donations, Hemker expects to net over $50,000.

BCCADSV helps thousands each year in the many programs under its umbrella of services.

Shelter House began in 2001. Now, the emergency shelter provides homes to 150 to 200 people who stay 30 to 90 days. "We have 23 units of transitional supportive housing," Hemker explained.

The coalition also provides assistance and counseling for people who don't need shelter. 

There is an outreach to young people in the community. In this first quarter of 2024, 1,500 received character education, "Trying to get them to the point they never need to shelter, know boundaries, security, and safety."

Tents lined Monroe Street with staff and volunteers to talk about mental health, domestic violence, sexual assault, and for those who may not want to come to the Shelter House or program centers. "They pick up the information they need to make maybe the choice that is going to change their life," Hemker said.

Walkers found a table filled with regular and oversized high-heeled shoes for those who wanted to try to "Walk in Their Shoes."

Some men received larger donations if they walked around the block wearing them.

Almost all the women wore comfortable sneakers.

Racers and walkers completed a 5K chip timed run two hours before the walk.

McDonald's provided coffee, and Broadway Grill held a pancake breakfast to benefit the cause.

Hemker said the sponsor's help is critical in making the annual event happen.

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You can find race results and information on the walk at https://www.278safe.com/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/278safe.

— Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Walkers support Shelter House programs Saturday, some in high heels