Sojourner Truth House hosts 27th Annual Walk For STH

On Saturday, June 13, members of the community, along with partners, sponsors, and volunteers, joined the 27th annual Sojourner Truth House Walk in Gary. Sojourner Truth House (STH), a ministry sponsored by The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (PHJC), is a day center that assists families experiencing homelessness by offering food, clothing, and support as they transition to permanent housing.

Angela Paul, executive director of STH, knows the importance of community events like this one.

“We’re here to celebrate 27 years of Sojourner Truth House as well as to bring awareness to homelessness in our communities,” Paul said. “Our sponsors here and any donations we are able to bring in all go to our client services, which is for our ladies that are in our day center.”

The walk was filled with upbeat music to encourage people to keep their spirits high and their bodies moving. Kids at the event were able to enjoy games like Jenga and Connect Four, play basketball, get their faces painted, win fun prizes, and more.

“We want people to visit our vendor tables and meet some of the faces behind the generous sponsors supporting us,” Paul said. “We have a plethora of things for people of all ages to enjoy, so we hope everyone attending here today will enjoy taking their time to walk around, get some information, and interact with the activities.”

Congressman Frank J. Mrvan attended the walk and spoke to the crowd as the festivities began.

“Before I ever cast a single vote in Washington, D.C., I served the community as a township trustee for 15 years,” Mrvan said. “As trustees, we know our duty is to take care of our most vulnerable populations. People would walk through my door when they had no other option, and one thing that I could always count on was that any women and children with needs could come to the Sojourner Truth House.”

Mrvan noted that the faith and vision of STH’s founders, current volunteers, and every worker dedicating their time day after day has been the reason there is still so much hope for families experiencing homelessness.

“If you are a vulnerable person facing a hard time in Northwest Indiana, you’re not alone. And that says a great deal about our community,” Mrvan said.

After a prayer by Pastor Greg Lee of Suncrest Church, the crowd warmed up with dancing and then enjoyed a brief, inspirational message by Sister Kathleen Quinn, PHJC, one of the original STH founders.

STH met their fundraising goal early this year, a feat which could not have been possible without the generous donations of partners and sponsors for this year’s event. Jennie Weer, donor relations officer for PHJC, spoke to the incredible support they have received this year.

“We have many wonderful sponsors every year for the walk that have tables here with information for guests,” Weer said. “Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has been a sponsor for many years. We’ve also got the Gary Rotary Club and K2 Industrial Services here for the first time. Many of these sponsors have their own teams going out on the walk, so not only are they providing monetary donations, but they are also on the ground getting out there side by side with us.”

Many donations also come from individual donors and donors from outside of the local area.

“We have a lot of donors from right here in Northwest Indiana, but we also have people sending in support from homes all over the country,” Weer said. “We have a donor in Whiting who cannot make it to the walk, but she has her own walk that she does in her neighborhood. So even though people may not be able to attend this event physically, we still remember those who are walking all around the country.”

As the ministry of STH grows, the efforts of workers and volunteers continue without ceasing. Events like this walk, which brings awareness of the group as well as their cause to people in the community, let people know that they are never alone. The work of PHJC and STH reminds people that there is always something they can do to help those in their community who are experiencing a difficult situation, and there is always hope in the dark times of life.

For more information visit www.sojournertruthhouse.org.