Union Rescue Mission hosted their “Just Help 1” 5K Run/Walk at Griffith Park on Saturday morning.
Saturday’s event, the 8th annual edition, raises money for individuals and families experiencing homelessness across L.A., organizers said in a media release.
“Participants will run, walk or cheer as every step supports URM’s transformational programs, shelters, meals and long-term recovery services for those in need,” URM officials said.
KTLA 5’s Erin Myers spoke to Union Rescue Mission CEO Mark Hood just as the 5K officially kicked off on Saturday morning.
“It’s just a great event…it’s a way to not only raise awareness, but 86 cents of every dollar that comes into this event goes back to transforming lives, getting people off the street and helping them find their way home,” Hood told KTLA. “It’s such a crisis…there are more homeless people in Los Angeles County than any other county in the United States by far. It’s a big problem, but I’m very happy [to say] we are a solution.”
According to the 2024 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, the L.A. County homeless population was estimated to be 73,512. The data also indicated that the City of Los Angeles had a homeless population of 45,252.
