Somerville residents and a range of Tufts community members turned out in record numbers for the 13th Annual Somerville Homeless Coalition (SHC) 5K Road Race on Oct. 4, helping the SHC meet fundraising goals despite the negative economic climate.
University President Lawrence Bacow and his wife, Adele, led a conglomerate of Tufts students, faculty and staff members who ran the race. Another group of students provided assistance.
"Adele and I have run this race many times. It is always great to see so many Tufts students, faculty and staff turn out for the run. It gives me yet another reason to be very proud to be President of Tufts," Bacow told the Daily in an e-mail.
The SHC received less corporate sponsorship this year due to the national financial turmoil. While this meant that there were fewer funds raised than the year before, the SHC still raised enough funds to continue operations.
Over 1,000 runners participated in the road race, 300 more than last year. "I was surprised by the number of people. As I was approaching the finish line I saw a lot more people than I had expected," said sophomore John Atsalis, who participated in the race.
The coalition raised more than $30,000, which will go toward its operating fund. The coalition provides case management, housing and shelter services to the homeless population of Somerville and surrounding areas.
"We have very low administrative overheads, so most of the money will go directly toward providing case management services and shelters," SHC Development Coordinator Shannon Moriarty told the Daily. Moriarty is a Tufts graduate student.
Eighty percent of the coalition's budget comes from public sources, and the coalition needs to raise about $400,000 annually for its operating fund. The annual road race is one of its biggest fundraising events.
Volunteers from various community organizations and local businesses provided manpower support for the road race. Five Davis Square restaurants gave out brunch after the run.
The local chapter of National Student Partnerships (NSP) fielded a team of runners and provided logistical support, using a Leonard Carmichael Society van to bring traffic directors to their stations. Tufts students and alumni accounted for most of the NSP representatives at the 5K. NSP seeks to link struggling local residents with student mentors and resources to succeed.
SHC Executive Director Mark Alston-Follansbee was pleased with the run's final outcome. "The event could not have gone more smoothly. With the support from the volunteers and the community, everything came together very well. It was a beautiful day and so far the feedback has been great," Alston-Follansbee told the Daily.
The general sentiment appeared to be positive, despite a change in course due to construction and an overabundance of runners. "I think it was exceptional, the turnout was greater than before, the weather was perfect. Overall it was a wild success," NSP Site Coordinator Leah Staub-DeLong (LA '08) said.
While the SHC met its fundraising goals, financial uncertainty remains for the organization, especially if current economic conditions persist. "It is going to be difficult to sustain corporate sponsorship levels, so we appreciate any support from and partnerships with community and student organizations," Moriarty said.
Staub-DeLong reiterated the need for the SHC in the community. "They are an exceptional community partner, the housing and counseling services they provide are crucial to the community. So in light of the recent financial troubles, we are glad that the event was such a success and that they got the funding they need and we hope that they continue to do so," she said.
