Help homeless vets via Step Out for Brave Challenge

Homes for the Brave’s signature fundraising event is taking a step into the virtual realm this year.

The organization’s annual Step Up for the Brave Stair Climb, which draws hundreds of people from across Connecticut and beyond, has been rebranded during the COVID-19 pandemic as the Step Out for the Brave 40,000 Step Virtual Challenge.

Between Saturday, Aug. 8, and Sunday, Aug 16, participants of all ages and abilities are invited to join the virtual challenge to take 40,000 steps for each of the 40,000 homeless veterans across the country. Participants can complete the challenge individually or as a group.

To encourage social distancing and national participation, the virtual challenge means running or walking from any location participants choose at any time during the challenge dates. Participants can run or walk on a trail, a treadmill, on a track, at the beach, or wherever they choose, the organization said. Step Out in Connecticut or have friends and family from anywhere across the country register and participate, the group added.

“While we must keep our distance to stay safe, maintaining connections between each other and helping one another has never been more important. The funds raised are critical to our ability to help homeless veterans return to independence,” said Vince Santilli, CEO/Executive Director of ABRI/ Homes for the Brave. “Please participate and invite your friends and family to join virtually with you.

“Our goal is to have event participants from each town and city in Connecticut and from all 50 states,” Santilli said. “This is our chance to respond to veterans who have served our country and need our help.”

Since 2002, Homes for the Brave said it has helped nearly 1,400 homeless individuals, mostly veterans, to secure income, find safe and affordable housing and make meaningful contributions to our community.

The cost to register is $40, which includes an event shirt, event bib and the chance to compete for prizes. Register at www.HomesForTheBrave.org and for information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Elizabeth Gorenbergh at egorenbergh @homesforthebrave.org or call 203-338-0669.

Homes for the Brave sponsors include Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Friend of Homes for the Brave, iHeartMedia, Webster Bank Arena, PSEG, Fallen Heroes Wilfredo Perez Jr. Memorial Fund, Connecticut Construction Industries Association and its members, Deadlocked Escape Rooms, Liberty Print Co., Newtown Savings Bank, Subway, T. Arduini Co. Inc., Connecticut Community Bank, Haynes Construction, People’s United Bank, SEAL RDAC, Connecticut Pest Elimination, Hirsh Levy & Fountain, Holiday Inn of Bridgeport, the Leadership Doc, Little Black Business Book and Dick McKnight.

Contributed photos Liberty Print Company of Beacon Falls is among the 230 participants already “Stepping OUT” in support of the 40,000 homeless.

Participants are asked to “Step Out” by running or walking on the trail, the treadmill, on a track, at the beach, or wherever they choose.