Walking for a brighter future
Join the Manistee County Homelessness Awareness Walk Event in our mission to raise awareness and support for those experiencing homelessness. Together, we can make a difference in our community one step at a time.
Our mission
HAW 2.0 or better known as the Homelessness Awareness Walk of Manistee County is an event dedicated to shedding light on the challenges of homelessness and providing vital support to those in need. We believe in fostering a compassionate community where everyone has a safe place to call home.
Information
HAW2.0 Manistee County Homelessness Awareness Walk
September 26, 2026
Event Itinerary
- 9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Agency setup and participant arrival. Participating agencies arrive and set up their information tables. Walk participants begin arriving and gathering at the starting location.
- 9:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Welcome and event instructions. Organizers welcome attendees, share the purpose of the event, review the walk route, and provide basic participation instructions.
- 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Homelessness Awareness Walk. The walk begins at 525 Michael Street and proceeds to the Lions Pavilion.
- 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Speakers and community gathering. Attendees gather at the Lions Pavilion to hear from speakers and learn more about homelessness awareness and available community resources.
- 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Agency information sharing and meal service. Participants visit agency tables, gather information, and connect with local services. Free meals are provided for walkers and participating agencies.
- 12:15 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. Closing and cleanup. Organizers thank participants, agencies begin packing up materials, and the event concludes.
Event Procedures
- General Procedures: Participation is free and open to the public. Participants may carry signs related to homelessness. All event activities should remain respectful and focused on awareness, education, and community support.
- Agency Procedures: Agencies may set up an information area at the event. Each agency is responsible for bringing its own table and materials. Agencies may offer raffles, but no items may be sold.
- Food Procedures: Free meals will be available for volunteers, walkers and participating agencies. Meals are not available for the general public unless they are volunteers, registered walkers, or agency participants.
- Closing Procedures: Agencies should remove their materials at the end of the event. Organizers should confirm the area is clean and all event materials have been collected before leaving.
- Deadline to get involved: RSVP not later than August 21, 2026
Contact: jeffc@echohislove.org
Phone: (231)723-6613
How you can help
There are many ways to contribute to our cause, whether through participation, donations, or spreading awareness. Every effort helps us reach our goals and support our community.
Join the walk
Participate in our annual Homelessness Awareness Walk and stand in solidarity with those affected by homelessness.
Donate
Your financial contributions directly support our programs and services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Volunteer
Offer your time and skills to help us organize events and reach more people in our community.
Spread awareness
Educate yourself and others about the realities of homelessness and how we can collectively make a difference.
About the HAW 2.0
The Homelessness Awareness Walk brings our community together to support our neighbors, raise awareness of homelessness in Manistee County, and remind those who are struggling that they are seen, valued, and not alone.
Our impact in numbers
Raising awareness sparks action. It helps more people understand homelessness, support solutions, and connect families and individuals to vital resources.
"The Homelessness Awareness Walk is an incredible initiative. It truly brings the community together to support a crucial cause."
Jeff C.
"Bringing awareness to Manistee has always been our goal at Safe Harbor of Manistee County. The shelter was created in 2009 providing shelter to over 600 Manistee citizens. The HAW2.0 brings awareness to the county and unity among agencies working to address homelessness in our community."
Lisa C.
"I am learning so much on the importance of being aware of the homelessness crisis here in Manistee County. It's vital to understand the facts and contribute to solutions for homelessness."
Shari O
Event Start Address
525 Michael St
49660 Manistee 49660