More than 250 walkers came out to support the Mission’s first ever “Walk a Mile in My Shoes!” event to raise awareness of the homeless across Northern Nevada.

The event, held in early March, attracted a wide variety of participants, from college students to dog walkers to community activists.

“We were stunned by the numbers,” said Rick Redding, the Mission’s executive director. “I was told we’d have about 100 or so, so I was guessing we’d get about half that. The end result was incredible. This community has got a huge heart and they showed it.”

Redding said demand for Mission services is increasing in the current economy. “It’s a growing problem,” he said. “More and more people are coming to us for service. Some are homeless or hurting for the first time.

“They don’t even know what’s out there to help them. They come into the Mission with a scared look and ask, ‘Can you help me?’ We’ll give them whatever we can, from food and shelter to clothing and other necessities. That’s why we’re here.”

Walkers at the “Walk a Mile” event began at Wingfield Park in downtown Reno and worked their way through a path off the main strip that the homeless travel every day. Participants – which included corporate-sponsored groups from Wal-Mart and Best Buy – concluded at the Mission, where walkers were given tours of the facility while learning more about Mission operations.

“It’s always an eye-opener for people,” Redding said of the tour. “Most people don’t realize the extent and magnitude of what we do for the city, from meals and clothes to shelter and recovery programs.

“Everyone always say the same thing: ‘I never knew.’ We tell them the more they help us the more we can help others. It’s a big job that takes all of us working together.”