On February 28, the Community Council of St. Charles County is hosting its first Coldest Night of the Year walk. This is more than just a fundraiser; it is a moment for our community to stand in solidarity with our unhoused neighbors. In a region where emergency shelters are scarce, a winter night isn't just uncomfortable—it’s a crisis. By walking together in the cold, we get a small, stark reminder of the challenges those experiencing a housing crisis face every single day across our tri-county area.

The funds we raise allow the Community Council to remain the "backbone" of support for our region. Whether it’s through Coordinated Entry, which connects families to vital housing resources, or by strengthening the capacity of dozens of other local nonprofits, your contribution ensures that no one has to navigate these difficult times alone. We are committed to ensuring our neighbors in St. Charles, Lincoln, and Warren counties have a path toward stability and hope.

This mission is deeply personal to me. As a child, my own family relied on community resources to get through incredibly difficult seasons. I know firsthand the difference a helping hand can make when the future feels uncertain. Today, as the Executive Director of the Community Council, I am honored to lead an organization that provides that same lifeline to others.

I am asking for your support in two ways:

Donate to my walk: Please consider making a financial contribution to help us reach our goal. Every dollar stays local to support our neighbors.

Walk with us: I invite you to register, bundle up, and join me on February 28. Let’s show our community that even on the coldest night, they are not forgotten.