Let’s face it: The Fort’s got a reputation. One ministry is trying to change that.
Redeeming Hope Ministries (RHM) has teamed up with UT’s Haslam Scholars to host a 5K run, “Running With Hope,” benefiting the “holistic transformation” of the Fort Sanders area. Proceeds will be dedicated to the ministry’s efforts in advancing nutrition, physical wellness and educational advancement in the neighborhood. RHM reaches beyond conventional aid methods to develop sustainable improvements in the lives of Knoxville citizens.
“Helping Redeeming Hope is great because they’re more than a quick fix,” Charles Edwards, senior in business, said. “They are committed to getting people off the streets and into stable jobs and permanent residences.”
Running to benefit RHM, students will be able to see impacts in their own community. While there are many opportunities to volunteer on campus, participation in the 5K will directly aid Knoxville’s homeless. This event is only one of many activities RHM sponsors to engage the surrounding community.
“RHM is an organization that I have been involved with since its founding,” Elizabeth Tiller, senior in public administration and Spanish, said. “I think this 5K is a great way to create student awareness of RHM and of homelessness issues. I hope to see hundreds of people there.”
The Haslam Scholars have decided to champion RHM’s cause, partnering with the ministry to bring grassroots reform to Fort Sanders. An executive board of scholars is coordinating efforts between the two organizations. Dr. Steve Dandaneau and Dr. David Golden of the Chancellor’s Honors Program are the scholars’ committee advisers.
Taking an active role in advancing the organization’s aims, the scholars have been encouraged to participate in some of RHM’s other endeavors as well. Food in the Fort, the RHM attack on hunger, practices “seed to table values,” bringing both nutritious food and wellness education to Fort residents. RHM also works with the Amplifier, a street newspaper with content submitted by Knoxville’s homeless and transient community. The paper is purchased and resold by homeless vendors who keep the proceeds from its sale.
As a group, the scholars themselves are enthusiastic about both the race and the cause behind it. Several members of the group will be running in the 5K, and multiple other scholars have been serving in supportive roles. They are all united to bolster RHM’s ability to serve Knoxville’s homeless population.
“I am very excited about the 5K because I think it is a great way to get word out on campus about the work that Redeeming Hope is doing to improve the lives of our nearby homeless,” Julia Ross, an undecided freshman, said. “As the winter months approach, it is increasingly important to support ministries that serve the homeless, and I am delighted that as a campus UT is able to have an active role in this initiative.”
The race is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 12, and will begin and end in Circle Park. Advance registration is $20, and only $15 for students. Prices increase $5 for on-site registration. All participants will receive a T-shirt and post-race snacks. The course has been certified by the Road Running Technical Council and USATF.
Representatives will be stationed on the Pedestrian Mall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday to assistant students, faculty and staff who would like to register for the event. Participants are also welcome to register on-site if that is more convenient.
“The Running With Hope 5k presents an amazing opportunity for the Haslam Scholars to team up with the Knoxville community as a whole in order to bring about change for the homeless of the area,” Kenna Rewcastle, freshman in chemistry, said. “It’s thrilling to be behind such a life-giving effort.”
