It began as a dream 10 years ago. A small group of people hoped to build a safe place where those who were homeless could live while they attained the life skills necessary to live independent and productive lives. The place would be the bridge between homelessness and permanent housing and would serve one of the poorest cities in the country - Lawrence, Mass.

It was with this dream, that the Lazarus House Hike for Hope was born. Over the past nine years, thousands of walkers, donors, volunteers and sponsors made this dream a reality. Capernaum Place, a 20-unit complex, opened in the fall of 2007. People who were successful in a homeless shelter program are eligible for transitional housing, which consists of four consecutive six-month leases and an individualized, mandatory service program for each family living there. The Hike is the main funding source for program's comprehensive support services including advocacy, personalized case management, life skills education, economic training and independent living skills.

On October 4, I will be taking part in the 10th Annual Hike for Hope. Please support me as I take steps to end homelessness. With your support, imagine where we will be 10 years from now.