"This was our first go at it....It will be bigger and better next year."

Every time I see one of these local efforts to assist those who are homeless, I get a burst of joyous satisfaction and a pang of sickening disgust. Let me explain. The joy comes from knowing that there are still many people out there who want to "do something" to assist their brothers and sisters in need - regardless of their pasts and how they ended up homeless. The disgust comes from knowing that our cities, states and federal government could do so much more to end this godforsaken scourge and crime against humanity, yet choose to pay lip service to it instead while funneling hundreds of billions of dollars into programs and efforts that are superfluous when compared to the urgent need of so many of our citizens. To add insult to injury, some of these efforts actually increase homelessness. If you think I'm crazy, take a look at the statistics of military men and women who end up homeless...

World's oldest running shoes

Published Monday June 23, 2008 Shelter puts its best feet forward BY CHIP OLSEN WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Eamon Sully ran 3.1 miles Sunday to help raise money for the homeless. "I couldn't feel my legs," the 8-year-old quipped Sunday morning after finishing the event at Lake Zorinsky. Eamon was among a record 541 participants in the 14th annual Siena-Francis House Walk-Run. The event, which began at 8 a.m., featured a 10K and 5K run and a 5K walk. Nearly $30,000 was raised to benefit the homeless men, women and children who seek food, shelter and clothing at the Siena-Francis House. Siena-Francis, at 1702 Nicholas St., is Nebraska's largest homeless shelter. Eamon and pal Drew Wilderman ran nearly the entire 5K race, stopping to walk just a little in the morning sun. Drew, 9½, described the course as "hot." He proudly pointed out that he and Eamon both rode 10 miles on their bikes Saturday in Council Bluffs. Mike Saklar, the shelter's executive director, was enjoying a leisurely stroll by the lake shortly after the race started. He said the event raises not only money but also awareness of homelessness. Jennifer Worth, 31, said she enjoyed running in the beautiful sun. "I like running for a good cause," she said. The winner of the 5K run, Rob Swanson, 19, of Omaha, has been a volunteer at the shelter, helping to serve meals. The 19-year-old graduate of North High School currently attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he is studying electrical engineering.

Matt Conahan, 19, of Omaha was winner of the 10K run. On Saturday, another homeless shelter came up short in its fundraising effort. The Stephen Center, which serves the homeless near 27th and Q Streets, tried its first poker run motorcycle drive. The drive, which covered 180 miles and lasted around four hours, included 20 motorcycle riders. No money was raised, said Del Bomberger, executive director. Bomberger said the event was a test run and blamed stormy weather for chasing away riders. "This was our first go at it," he said. "It will be bigger and better next year."