On Monday, January 18^th, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., friends of Interfaith Action formed a car parade through Evanston to raise awareness of the need for safe and warm places to sleep for all of our Evanston neighbors, especially in the winter. Over 100 fabulously decorated cars drove past the six central Evanston faith community facilities that host the Emergency Overnight Shelter in rotation this winter: First United Methodist, First Congregational, St. Lukes, St. Pauls, Beth Emet and the Unitarian Church. We are so grateful to these congregations for sharing their facilities. The parade started off with a lead police car, then Interfaith Action Executive Director Sue Murphy (in a convertible!) and Aldermen Judy Fiske, Eleanor Revelle, Melissa Wynne, and Robin Rue Simmons, followed by cars of many Interfaith Action supporters with lots of kids riding along. Thanks to all who joined the parade with special thanks to the Evanston police department for making the parade flow smoothly.

Walk for Warmth on Wheels also raised critical funds to support the Emergency Overnight Shelter, open every winter night. Donations of over $35,000 were received. These funds are part of the $70,000 required to operate the shelter annually – to provide cots, bedding, laundry, warm beverages and paid supervisory staff. Thanks to the many generous donors who are making sure no one has to sleep outdoors this winter.