Trinity Bellefonte Launches Hearts for the Homeless Challenge Race to Fund Homelessness Support (Bellefonte, Pennsylvania)

Trinity United Methodist Church in Bellefonte is taking steps to address the growing need for homeless support in the community. While Bellefonte does not currently have a dedicated homeless shelter, the church has been actively helping individuals through various outreach efforts. Linda Mundy Boone, the church’s outreach coordinator, explained that the church’s community meal programs and food bank have led to frequent encounters with homeless individuals. “This has opened our eyes to the need,” Boone said, noting that the church has been finding temporary accommodations for those in need, including hotels, B&Bs, and recently an Airbnb.

The church is now seeking to expand its efforts through a new initiative: the Hearts for the Homeless Challenge race. Scheduled for April 7 through April 8 at Governors Park, the event will allow participants to run or walk for six, 12, or 24 hours on a one-mile course. Registration fees will support the church’s ongoing efforts, with prices set at $85 for the 24-hour race, $65 for 12 hours, and $45 for six hours. The race will also feature personal and corporate sponsorships, with start times on Friday evening, Saturday morning, and Saturday noon.

Pastor Doug Conway, who is also an ultramarathoner, helped conceive the race as part of his personal passion for running. “People have offered to sponsor me by the mile,” he said, adding that the event is a way to raise both awareness and funds for the church’s outreach. Boone noted that while the race is a new endeavor, the church has been providing assistance for some time, including weekly hot meals that serve about 80 people.

The church is also working toward a long-term goal of establishing a homeless program in Bellefonte. Boone mentioned that they have filed for a nonprofit corporation to serve as the foundation for this initiative, with community members set to form the board of directors. “Right now, all we’re doing is finding accommodations for people that come in,” she said. “But ultimately, we want to create a homeless shelter. We’re calling it The Neighborhood Help Center.”

In addition to sheltering individuals, the church is also focusing on providing practical support, such as transportation to medical appointments and assistance with navigating the social services system. Conway emphasized that these efforts are part of a broader commitment to serving the community. “We do what we can right now,” he said, highlighting the church’s dedication to meeting immediate needs while working toward more sustainable solutions.

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