Description

Walk the Walk to End Homelessness (Sept. 21). All ages. 1K and 5K event benefits UMOM New Day Centers, Arizona’s largest shelter for homeless families. 6 a.m. registration; 7 a.m. walk. $35; $10 for ages 3-17; $70 for families of four; free for ages 2 and younger. Participation includes zoo admission for the day. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. umom.org

Last September, this walk held the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for the largest thong sandal race, but that record was broken in June by a North Carolina running group. UMOM is hoping once again to rally community support so at least 1,700 people in flip-flops Walk the Walk — not only to reclaim the world record, but to help alleviate homelessness in our state.

Every night, more than 150 families experience homelessness in Maricopa County waiting to escape the unsafe environment of living on the streets, sleeping in their cars or residing in an unstable living situation. Families may wait more than six weeks before a shelter unit is available. UMOM’s goal is to eliminate shelter waiting lists and help each family, single woman or young person as they need it.