When Senior Pastor Rob Wheeler of the Osterville Baptist Church asked church members if they wanted to participate in the 2022 Housing Assistance Walk for Hope, he was hoping for a positive response. What he got surprised him.
Pastor Rob Wheeler and family
“There were multiple people who pulled me aside and said Housing Assistance had helped them secure a first-time homebuyer loan or helped them find affordable housing,” he said. “They said Housing Assistance was instrumental in helping them secure their housing.”
Pastor Wheeler said it was suddenly clear to him that housing has become a widespread issue for his church members.
“One of our scriptures tells us to find the pressing needs, the urgent needs in the community,” he said. “The more we talk to local leaders, local pastors, local nonprofits, it all seems to focus on this one concern. People can’t meet their basic needs for housing.”
One way to help, and to “be more visible in our display of care for the community,” he said, would be to participate in the Walk for Hope, which raises funds for Housing Assistance services and programs. His church members couldn’t agree more. The Osterville Baptist Church went on to become the year’s top fundraising team, raising $10,520 to benefit Housing Assistance.
“It was fun to rub shoulders with like-minded people who care about the issue,” said Pastor Wheeler. “We are looking forward to being part of it again this year.”
This year’s Walk for Hope takes place on May 21, with walks in Falmouth, Hyannis and Orleans. Check-in begins at noon and the walks start at 1 p.m. There will be live music, yard games and ice cream trucks at each location. There’s also an option to stay connected virtually and create your own route.
Individuals who raise $25 will receive a Walk for Hope commemorative pin and those who raise $100 will receive a special event T-shirt.
Traveling trophies will be awarded to the Top Team and Individual Fundraisers. (Last year’s top individual fundraiser was Rich Bryant of Cape Associates, Inc.) In addition, the top individual fundraiser will receive a Fitbit and the top team fundraiser will be gifted a pizza party to celebrate their generous support.
