November 4, 2011


7A Run for Shelter 5k raises $7k to help end homelessness


Runners leave the starting line of the Run for Shelter 5k, held Oct. 15 in the Hillcrest neighborhood of Little Rock. AUM PHOTOS BY AMY FORBUS


BY AMY FORBUS Editor


More than 200 people participated in the Hillcrest Run for Shelter 5k and Fun Run, an Oct. 15


event that raised close to $7,000 for a new ministry in Little Rock that helps homeless individuals make the transition back to life off the streets. Rock of Hope, founded in February and recently incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profi t


organization, grew out of several individuals’ work with the warming center for the homeless operated by canvascommunity UMC Little Rock during the area’s January 2011 winter storms. Pulaski Heights UMC for six years has hosted a 5k to coincide with Hillcrest Harvest Fest, and has chosen a charity to receive proceeds each year. Past runs, called Miles for Missions, have benefi ted Hurricane Katrina relief, Arkansas Hospice Center, a variety of local outreach ministries, Wade Knox Children’s Advocacy Center and more. Choosing Rock of Hope this year refl ected personal involvement from some Pulaski Heights


members and the event organizers, according to Dave Anderson, who coordinated the event. “T ere were a number of people who had done volunteer work at canvas’ warming center and


felt it addressed an important need,” he said. Mary Lewis Dassinger, director of missions for Pulaski Heights UMC, noted that though the


race begins and ends in front of the church building, “We want it to be about more than just PHUMC.” She said that working as a neighbor and community partner is a priority for the church. “We are excited about the way canvascommunity and Rock of Hope have responded to God’s


call to off er hope and shelter to Little Rock’s homeless,” she said. “T e race allows us to invite people from PHUMC, Little Rock and beyond to participate in and show support of their good work, bringing attention to God’s call to all of us to serve one another.” T e money raised by the 5k participants will help refurbish one of the houses Rock of Hope is


making available for people who have a desire to get off the streets. Each Rock of Hope house provides a home for at least four people making the transition away from homelessness. “Two houses are occupied, with a third coming online within 45 days,” said John Ripa, one of


Rock of Hope’s founders. “Plus a planned purchase [of a fourth house] by the end of the year.” Rock of Hope works with many churches in the Pulaski County area, some United Methodist,


others not. It counts many faith-based and governmental organizations among its partners as well. In addition to local partnerships, a crucial element of Rock of Hope’s model is having a


“champion” for each person making the transition. A champion provides fellowship, encouragement, prayer and other help while building a friendship with the person in transition. To learn more and watch an introductory video, visit therockof ope.org.


LEFT: Kyle Forehand and Katye Dunn of Pulaski Heights UMC prepare post-run snacks for participants in the Run for Shelter 5k and Fun Run. CENTER: Jim Garrett, a founder of Rock of Hope, prepares stones bearing the Rock of Hope logo to be distributed to the first 75 male and female finishers of the Run for Shelter 5k. ABOVE: The Rev. Britt Skarda, senior pastor of Pulaski Heights UMC Little Rock and a participant in the Run for Shelter 5k and Fun Run, offers a prayer before the race begins.


www.arumc.org Arkansas United Methodist


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