BRIDGEPORT, CT – Over 630 people from across the country participated in the 6th Annual Step OUT for the Brave challenge last month, raising a record-shattering $108,910 to help homeless and at-risk Veterans. The signature fundraiser for Bridgeport’s Homes for the Brave (HFTB) organization was expanded this year to a virtual format, allowing even more participants to help homeless Veterans return to independence.
“Veteran supporters throughout the country came together over a nine-day period to help those who risked their lives for our country and are now homeless. The chance to do something to help really resonated with people, and we’re grateful for their participation,” said Vince Santilli, HFTB Executive Director and CEO.
From August 8th through August 16th participants walked in a location of their choosing, some taking a few steps and others taking 40,000 to honor each of the 40,000 homeless Veterans across the United States. Over 75 participants undertook the herculean effort of covering over 100,000 steps or more each. In total, over 24.4 million steps were taken, with participants from 15 states, including as far away as Washington, Arizona and Florida.
The funds raised will support HFTB as they help homeless Veterans secure income, build life skills, find safe and affordable housing, and make meaningful contributions to our community. In addition, this support will compensate for cancelled and rescheduled events and cover skyrocketing expenses for food, cleaning supplies and PPE. Since its founding 2002, Homes for the Brave has helped over 1,400 homeless individuals.
The organization, and others like it, are having a significant impact. The estimated number of Veterans experiencing homelessness in the United States has declined by nearly 50 percent since 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Point In Time Count.
Homes for the Brave would like to thank its sponsors, including Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Friend of Homes for the Brave, iHeartMedia, PSEG, Webster Bank Arena, Fallen Heroes Wilfredo Perez Jr. Memorial Fund, Webster Bank, Connecticut Construction Industries Association and its members, Bernadette Baldino, Connecticare, Knights of Columbus Park City Council #16, Liberty Print Co., Microboard Processing, Newtown Savings Bank, Subway, T. Arduini Co. Inc., UNICO International Connecticut Community Bank, Deadlocked Escape Rooms, Fairfield Rotary Club, Haynes Construction, People’s United Bank, SEAL RDAC, The Schegg Group, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Turner Construction.
To learn more about Homes for the Brave, visit www.HomesForTheBrave.org or call 203.338.0669.
