Good Friday Hope for Homelessness Walk set for today

For the Reporter

KentHOPE invites the public for a Good Friday Journey to the Cross at 1:30 p.m. on April 18.

The walk will include prayer stations with pastors and congregations leading scripture readings.

The walk will begin in Kaibara Park on First Avenue between West Smith and West Meeker. The walk will continue to City Hall, followed by a site location under consideration for a 24-hour center and shelter, and finally, end at Kaibara Park.

KentHOPE is organizing the walk to show concern for the homeless and to bring attention to the three years of effort to establish the KentHOPE Resource Center, a 24-hour resource center and shelter in Kent. KentHOPE’s mission is to build community by providing stable pathways out of homelessness while caring for body, mind and spirit.

According to KentHOPE Chair Pat Gray: “The resource center, in order to meet immediate needs and long-term solutions, should be close to Kent’s other social services and community resources. The recent One-Night Count found 63 unsheltered people in Kent, and there are 420 homeless students in the Kent School District. It is time for a permanent location to serve our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness, and the time to act is now.”

Kaibara Park is just south of the Kent Metro Station. Carpooling and public transportation are encouraged. The Kent Station parking garage is within walking distance.

Donations of nonperishable food items will be accepted.

KentHOPE, which is dedicated to reducing homelessness in the community, is a partnership of churches and faith-based groups, Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission, Valley Cities Counseling, businesses, community service agencies and concerned citizens.

For more information, visit www.kenthope.org.