View Full Version : Attention Georgia Hikers!
soulshine26
09-18-2007, 22:45
I posted a few weeks ago about an event in progress called "Hike for the Homeless". I am working with Union Mission here in Savannah to promote and plan this event. We got the myspace page up and running today: www.myspace.com/hike4thehomeless
In early October of 2008, we are going to do the first Section of the AT. We'll start by doing the approach trail from Amicalola SP to the Springer Terminus. From there, we'll spend 2 days and go 20 miles to Woody Gap. We are recruiting people to fill up our registration spots. Obviously there will be a limited number of hikers for the event. This is not an event for the faint of heart or the inexperienced hiker. If you have any doubts about your ability, though, there is plenty of time to warm up to this total of 28 mile hike.
I am meeting with Julie Walsh-Elliott and Laura Webb of Union Mission on October 16th to set dates, times, registration fees, and work out some of the more specific details. Hikers will pay a small registration fee that will cover their packets (tshirt, information, freebies). Then each hiker will obtain sponsorship pledges from family, friends, etc that will pledge dollars to the cause for doing the hike. The hiker with the largest amount of sponsorship dollars will win some awesome prizes and gear that is being donated to the organization by local outfitter stores throughout GA and SC.
Come get involved in this, guys! It's going to be great. It's a great excuse to start section hiking if you haven't already!
If anyone is interested in being a group leader for this hike, let me know! We are looking for experienced hikers to be group leaders. If you can contribute to this effort in any way or know someone who would be willing to, please let us know! Check out the myspace page and if you have any questions feel free to email me at hikeforthehomeless@yahoo.com or you can email Julie or Laura by going to the Union Mission website and obtaining their email contact info.
I look forward to seeing you all out there on the trail!
soulshine26
09-18-2007, 22:47
The Union Misson website is www.unionmission.org
Just a Hiker
09-18-2007, 22:52
Wonderful cause.......I'll do anything to help!!
Just Jim
soulshine26
09-18-2007, 22:55
Wonderful cause.......I'll do anything to help!!
Just Jim
Sweet! Bring it! :) Georgia will be happy to have you!
Lone Wolf
09-18-2007, 22:55
I posted a few weeks ago about an event in progress called "Hike for the Homeless". I am working with Union Mission here in Savannah to promote and plan this event. We got the myspace page up and running today: www.myspace.com/hike4thehomeless
In early October of 2008, we are going to do the first Section of the AT. We'll start by doing the approach trail from Amicalola SP to the Springer Terminus. From there, we'll spend 2 days and go 20 miles to Woody Gap. We are recruiting people to fill up our registration spots. Obviously there will be a limited number of hikers for the event. This is not an event for the faint of heart or the inexperienced hiker. If you have any doubts about your ability, though, there is plenty of time to warm up to this total of 28 mile hike.
I am meeting with Julie Walsh-Elliott and Laura Webb of Union Mission on October 16th to set dates, times, registration fees, and work out some of the more specific details. Hikers will pay a small registration fee that will cover their packets (tshirt, information, freebies). Then each hiker will obtain sponsorship pledges from family, friends, etc that will pledge dollars to the cause for doing the hike. The hiker with the largest amount of sponsorship dollars will win some awesome prizes and gear that is being donated to the organization by local outfitter stores throughout GA and SC.
Come get involved in this, guys! It's going to be great. It's a great excuse to start section hiking if you haven't already!
If anyone is interested in being a group leader for this hike, let me know! We are looking for experienced hikers to be group leaders. If you can contribute to this effort in any way or know someone who would be willing to, please let us know! Check out the myspace page and if you have any questions feel free to email me at hikeforthehomeless@yahoo.com or you can email Julie or Laura by going to the Union Mission website and obtaining their email contact info.
I look forward to seeing you all out there on the trail!
www.stjude.org/ they rate more than homeless who made a choice. these kids didn't choose
I have to agree with you on that one LWolf. Great cause, do some biker events here for the STJude cause. :)
Lone Wolf
09-18-2007, 23:18
I have to agree with you on that one LWolf. Great cause, do some biker events here for the STJude cause. :)
biker events here? right. most hikers and "homeless" are selfish. i have no use for most of them
soulshine26
09-18-2007, 23:35
www.stjude.org/ (http://www.stjude.org/) they rate more than homeless who made a choice. these kids didn't choose
St. Jude is definitely a great cause, Lonewolf. I have a child myself and cannot even imagine what these kids and the people who love them go through.
However, to say that all homeless people made a "choice" that made them homeless is judgmental and, if I may be blunt, ignorant. You don't know the situations that put them where they are. Sure, some of them may have been greedy or selfish or made bad choices that put them there- but who are we to judge them? Humans in general have all of these characteristics. Statistically, many homeless populations are made up of a large portion of mentally ill people. Do people "choose" to be mentally ill?
Have you ever seen "The Pursuit of Happyness"? You should rent it. You'll change your opinion. Open minds change the world. Just remember that. I'd rather help someone who "doesn't deserve it" than do nothing at all. Thanks for replying to my post.
Lone Wolf
09-18-2007, 23:38
how many and where have you hung out with homeless?
Lone Wolf
09-18-2007, 23:48
how many and where have you hung out with homeless?
actually i don't really care. most "homeless" play the game. act a certain way to get certain things. pathetic. the ill you speak of are rare
Well, I think its fair to say that homeless people are probably as diverse as most people in society, so you would really have to hang out with all of them to speak for all of them, but only some of them to speak for some of them.
As for selfishness, I think you could argue that all people are selfish.
Some people even consider it a virtue, as long as your good at it.
I am not so good at it.
soulshine26
09-18-2007, 23:52
how many and where have you hung out with homeless?
In Savannah, GA. (Union Mission) In Greenville, SC (Project Host) In San Diego, CA...met a few on the street that my husband and I talked with, prayed with, and directed to a mission there. I've been involved with these missions since I was 16 years old. I have seen quite a few go from living on the streets and sleeping in shelters to getting jobs and gradually becoming rehabilitated from substance abuse and becoming functioning members of society who pay taxes just like you do.
If you want to pick a fight, Wolf, go find another thread to argue on. You don't have to support the cause.
Lone Wolf
09-18-2007, 23:55
In Savannah, GA. (Union Mission) In Greenville, SC (Project Host) In San Diego, CA...met a few on the street that my husband and I talked with, prayed with, and directed to a mission there. I've been involved with these missions since I was 16 years old. I have seen quite a few go from living on the streets and sleeping in shelters to getting jobs and gradually becoming rehabilitated from substance abuse and becoming functioning members of society who pay taxes just like you do.
If you want to pick a fight, Wolf, go find another thread to argue on. You don't have to support the cause.
no fight. just tryin to figure out your mindset. do what you gotta do. homeless are not high on my list :)
soulshine26
09-19-2007, 00:01
no fight. just tryin to figure out your mindset. do what you gotta do. homeless are not high on my list :)
My mindset is that everybody deserves a chance. Everybody can acheive...sometimes it just takes having someone believe in you.
Wolf, I think you should organize a hike for St. Jude. Pick your cause and work at it. There's too much sadness in this world, you have to turn it into something good. If you do, let me know. I'll be the first to register for your hike.
Lone Wolf
09-19-2007, 00:04
hiking for causes raises nothing. it's all feel good. hikers are a very poor resourse. giving lots of cold, hard cash is where it's at. i give privately.
soulshine26
09-19-2007, 00:12
hiking for causes raises nothing. it's all feel good. hikers are a very poor resourse. giving lots of cold, hard cash is where it's at. i give privately.
That's great. :sun But I've been working with Union Mission and these projects long enough to know that it does raise $. Check out St. Joseph the Worker in Arizona. They have a "Hike for the Homeless" every year. Last year they raised over 30 grand. 30 grand is not nothing.
Two of the hikers that have already agreed to do this project are physicians at Candler Hospital here. If what you're saying is that hikers won't give funds or don't have the funds to give... maybe the good doctors will be an exception.:cool:
biker events here? right. most hikers and "homeless" are selfish. i have no use for most of them
Hey LW, I mean events where I live; there are STJ rides to raise money for these kids who didn't have a choice as you stated :)
(I was agreeing with giving to STJ is a good cause.)
Lone Wolf
09-19-2007, 00:19
Hey LW, I mean events where I live; there are STJ rides to raise money for these kids who didn't have a choice as you stated :)
(I was agreeing with giving to STJ is a good cause.)
i know you were. raising $$ for the homeless is like shovelin poo against the tide.
soulshine26
09-19-2007, 00:22
i know you were. raising $$ for the homeless is like shovelin poo against the tide.
Lol, Wolf were you at some point beat up by a homeless person? This negativity is unprecedented.
LW; i know you were. raising $$ for the homeless is like shovelin poo against the tide.
Yup.
I used to be very invovled with charities for the homeless people where I used to live, time and time again - they just went right back to being homeless. There seemed to be no reason for them to change, since there was so much provided for them. It is after all, like camping. I got soured on the whole thing a long time ago, they'd be begging for food, money for booze, but managed to always have a fresh pack of cigs - a "rich man's" habit these days IMHO, that really turned me off.
No offense to your cause, and I hope you succeed in all you choose to do and support Soulshine!
Lone Wolf
09-19-2007, 00:27
Lol, Wolf were you at some point beat up by a homeless person? This negativity is unprecedented.
Lol, no honey. any nagativity you detect is because my BS meter is redlining. your god has directed you to help folks that can in most cases, help themselves but choose not to. at least you're doing something
soulshine26
09-19-2007, 00:36
Yup.
I used to be very invovled with charities for the homeless people where I used to live, time and time again - they just went right back to being homeless. There seemed to be no reason for them to change, since there was so much provided for them. It is after all, like camping. I got soured on the whole thing a long time ago, they'd be begging for food, money for booze, but managed to always have a fresh pack of cigs - a "rich man's" habit these days IMHO, that really turned me off.
No offense to your cause, and I hope you succeed in all you choose to do and support Soulshine!
Thanks Smile. The cause can be a frustrating one, I agree... but the success stories are the ones that make it worth it. The program we are raising money for (Union Mission) is not just some homeless shelter. All of the homeless people who stay in the shelter have to register and enter programs in order to receive care, shelter, and food. They put them in job training programs, substance abuse programs, etc. You should check out the website. This is not a project that "enables" homelessness. Many programs are. Not this one. www.unionmission.org
In my opinion, that's the only way to approach this problem. You give help, while forcing them to become a functional member of society.
BTW, Love your quote in the signature line, Smile. I love me some Dave Matthews.
That sounds more detailed than what I was involved in, it was discouraging at best.
DM, like him lots. Think we can privately TM more than any college out there to win that free concert. I'd hike for that :)
Lone Wolf
09-19-2007, 00:42
good luck in your mission soulshine. i mean that.:)
soulshine26
09-19-2007, 00:45
That sounds more detailed than what I was involved in, it was discouraging at best.
DM, like him lots. Think we can privately TM more than any college out there to win that free concert. I'd hike for that :)
I might crawl through the desert for that. :D Which college are you voting for? I have been voting for Clemson University since it's my hometown...
Hmmmm, I wonder if Dave would hike for the homeless. Now THAT would capture some support.
soulshine26
09-19-2007, 00:46
good luck in your mission soulshine. i mean that.:)
Thanks Wolf. If I ever need a lawyer but can't afford one, I'm calling you. You can argue with the best of 'em.;)
oldfivetango
09-19-2007, 09:37
good luck in your mission soulshine. i mean that.:)
I'll venture to bet that an LW organized hike with the proceeds
going to St Jude's could raise some SERIOUS CASH.
Count me in when it happens:D
Oldfivetango
Soulshine26,
How many people do you envision making this trek. And over what period of time? I only ask because Section 1 is already over used and over abused. I know, I live on it. The trail is a delicate place and I would hate to see your good cause inflict harm on our already challenged environment. Early October will already see considerable traffic on this section due to the weather, the colors, and the start of large game Hunting seasons.
I might suggest that you consider a plan that will keep hikers on the trail at a minimum at any one place. Maybe running your program over a series of weeks, or even better having participants hike independently over the year.
I wish you well in your endeavor, but I do request that you give this considerable thought regarding minimizing your impact on the trail.
soulshine26
09-19-2007, 12:12
Soulshine26,
How many people do you envision making this trek. And over what period of time? I only ask because Section 1 is already over used and over abused. I know, I live on it. The trail is a delicate place and I would hate to see your good cause inflict harm on our already challenged environment. Early October will already see considerable traffic on this section due to the weather, the colors, and the start of large game Hunting seasons.
I might suggest that you consider a plan that will keep hikers on the trail at a minimum at any one place. Maybe running your program over a series of weeks, or even better having participants hike independently over the year.
I wish you well in your endeavor, but I do request that you give this considerable thought regarding minimizing your impact on the trail.
Those are all great points and ones that we have considered in planning. We are going to limit the number of hikers allowed to make this trek, and we are organizing camp spots for each group so that we all aren't in one place. I'm working with the GATC to provide us with some lists and limitations and suggestions to minimize our impact on the trail. We are talking about having some of the leaders go back and hike smaller sections of the trail after the event to make sure that nothing was left behind and that everyone obeyed the rules. Group leaders will be responsible for making sure everyone is abiding by the creeds during the hike, and we'll double check afterwards to be sure we left nothing but footprints. ;)
Thanks for your reply and your consideration of the trail and the environment. I've been a hiker since I graduated from high school, and I realize the importance of keeping our trails fresh and beautiful.
leeki pole
09-19-2007, 12:53
I'll venture to bet that an LW organized hike with the proceeds
going to St Jude's could raise some SERIOUS CASH.
Count me in when it happens:D
Oldfivetango
Ditto that. C'mon, LW, let's roll! I'm in!:)
cannonball
09-19-2007, 13:36
Soulshine, your desire to help your bretheren is noble yet mis directed. You will accomlish very little if anything by having a sec hike. However you may allow a few ultra liberals an oppurtunity to feel good about themselves.
I believe your time and energy would be more effective if you:
had a local beat writer come to the shelter and do a story about the mission and its needs.
Rally the local churches to have food drives and start a soup kitchen.
Have a blanket drive.
establish a work for stay program in cooperation with local businesses.
start a chapter of AA at the mission
The list of things that can be done within the mission is as limited as your imagination. I would suggest that you continueally "teach others to fish as opposed to giving them fish".
Now before any one goes off on me let me point out that in addition to raising 3 kids, 1 with autism and the other 2 are adopted I have a full time job. I still find time to do work as a volunteer, at a inter denominational mission in down town Tallahassee. I alone am responsible for feeding nearly 700 families per month. So I feel as though I have a handle on the homeless and impoverished.
BTW, I met Lone wolf this summer and I assure you he is not nearly the prick he would like you to think he is. ;) He does seem to be a stand up guy with a good grip[ on realism.
Appalachian Tater
09-19-2007, 13:54
I don't understand what hiking has to do with homeless people or why people hiking to raise money for the homeless should expect to win prizes, but hiking is a good thing and helping those who are less fortunate than you are is a good thing so I hope that it is successful. Cannonball may have a point that there might be BETTER ways to accomplish your mission.
Doughnut
09-19-2007, 17:08
I just like hiking and camping, count me IN !!! PM Sent
DoughNut
Just a Hiker
09-19-2007, 17:21
Good Luck!