Walk for Poor slated for Saturday

Published 1:31 am Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Sequim’s poor aren’t always visible — but they exist, says Mike Flynn.

“They live in their cars or they camp,” he says.

Flynn, president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, often comes face-to-face with that reality as he works for the society that has a crew of volunteers in Sequim and Port Angeles.

The goal with the annual St. Vincent de Paul Friends of the Poor Walk, Flynn says, is twofold: to raise money to help those living in poverty and to raise awareness of the program.

This year’s walk is set for 12:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, starting at Sequim’s Carrie Blake Park.

Registration opens at noon the day of the race.

This year, the walk begins at the park and proceeds east along the Olympic Discovery Trail. Participants have the option of walking as far as Whitefeather Way or in a short loop around Carrie Blake Park. Refreshments are provided.

The goal for this year’s event is $10,000.

“In this Year of Mercy, as declared by Pope Francis, it is especially appropriate that we consider those whose need is great,” walk coordinator Mike McAleer said.

For Sequim, proceeds primarily help those living within the school district boundaries avoid utility disconnections and evictions.

In the Port Angeles area, funds will be used primarily for people within the school district boundaries and west pay for medical costs and transportation.

The assistance doesn’t go just to those of one faith, Flynn notes.

“There is a conception that because we have ‘Saint’ in our title, that we help only Catholics,” Flynn says. “We help anybody that needs help … in all sorts of circumstances.”

That includes helping people find housing, transportation to work or to medical appointments and more, he says.

In addition, Flynn says, the St. Vincent de Paul Society has an Occupational Assistance Program that helps individuals be more employable.

The society is an all-volunteer group — there is no office, no one is paid and usually the only expense is a phone bill, Flynn notes — as during a week-long shift pairs of helpers respond to calls for help.

“We try to visit in their homes (if applicable),” Flynn says. “It’s where they are most comfortable. We want to come as friends. We want to help as a friend would.”

However, sometimes that means saying “no,” he says.

“We try to discern (the need) prayerfully,” Flynn says. “Often (the help) is not what they ask for. Most people are grateful.

“What we want more than anything is for people to become self-sufficient.”

For more information or to register before the day of the walk, call 460-8883.