On Sunday, August 23, Friends Association invites runners, walkers, families, businesses, and community supporters from across Chester County to take part in the inaugural Steps to Home 5K Run & 1-Mile Walk.
Your participation can help ensure that every family has a safe, stable place to call home.
Presented by John Becker, The Running Realtor, and Springer Realty Group, this family-friendly event starts at 8 AM at Downingtown West High School, 445 Manor Avenue, Downingtown.
Whether you are chasing a personal best or pushing a stroller, every step you take that morning makes a direct difference in the lives of local families facing homelessness.
Why This Race Matters
Friends Association has been serving vulnerable families in Chester County for more than 200 years.
Founded in 1822, the organization has always focused on the protection of children and on recognizing the inherent value of each member of society.
Today, Friends Association works toward making homelessness for families in Chester County rare, brief, and non-recurring.
More than 400 individuals and families in Chester County are experiencing homelessness on any given night..
For every 100 extremely low-income households in the county, there are only 22 affordable and available rental homes.
The gap between those two numbers represents real families trying to hold on.
The Steps to Home 5K raises critical funds and awareness to help close that gap.
Investment in housing stability delivers results. Studies repeatedly show there are community-wide benefits when an eviction is prevented.
Your registration, your donation, and your sponsorship are more than just generous gestures. They are investments in a stronger Chester County.
Three Ways to Make a Difference
🏃Register to Run or Walk
Join community members on the course at Downingtown West High School. The race welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels, from experienced runners to casual walkers and families with children.
Early registration: $25 through August 8.
Every registration directly supports Friends Association’s emergency shelter, eviction prevention services, housing stability programs, and wraparound support for families working toward permanent housing.
💙Make a Donation
Can’t make it to the race? You can still be part of the movement.
The Steps to Home 5K has a fundraising goal of $5,000. Donations of any size are welcome, meaningful, and tax-deductible, supporting the Friends Association’s mission.
🤝Become a Sponsor
For local businesses, the Steps to Home 5K is an opportunity to do two things at once: demonstrate your organization’s commitment to the Chester County community and gain visibility among hundreds of participants, families, and supporters from across the region.
Sponsoring this event puts your brand alongside a mission that resonates.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses of all sizes. Spots are limited and expected to fill before race day.
Interested in sponsoring? Contact Friends Association today to learn about available packages and how your business can get involved.
👉 Contact Karina Olmeda at Friends Association about sponsorship opportunities.
More Than a Finish Line
Mark your calendar for August 23 and join the Friends Association at Downingtown West High School for the inaugural Steps to Home 5K.
Every family deserves a place to call home. This is how you can help make that possible.
📅 Sunday, August 23, 2026 8:00 a.m. Downingtown West High School | 445 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA 💵 Registration: $25 through August 8 Fundraising Goal: $5,000
Register. Donate. Sponsor. Every step makes a difference.
👉 Register for the 5K 👉 Make a Donation 👉 Become a Sponsor
Friends Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and ending family homelessness in Chester County. All donations are tax-deductible.
