Annual Walk to End Homelessness Returns to New London

The 19th annual fundraiser aims to raise money for the Homeless Hospitality Center's shelter operations.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:00pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in soft, warm tones depicting a group of people walking together on a city street, conceptually representing the community coming together for the Walk to End Homelessness.The annual Walk to End Homelessness brings the community together in a spirit of compassion and commitment to supporting those facing housing insecurity.New London Today

The 19th annual Walk to End Homelessness fundraiser, organized by the New London Homeless Hospitality Center and Connecticut College's Holleran Center, will be held on April 26 at noon in Parade Plaza. The 1.5-mile walk, along with lunch and music, aims to raise money to support the Homeless Hospitality Center's shelter and services for adults facing homelessness in southeastern Connecticut.

Why it matters

Homelessness remains a persistent issue in Connecticut, with a 16% increase statewide since 2023. The Walk to End Homelessness helps raise awareness and critical funds to support the Homeless Hospitality Center's efforts to provide shelter, services, and pathways to permanent housing for those in need in the local community.

The details

The Walk to End Homelessness includes a 1.5-mile walk, lunch, and music. All funds raised will go towards operating the Homeless Hospitality Center's shelter, which works to create a safe space for adults facing homelessness and help them find permanent housing. The event is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.

  • The 19th annual Walk to End Homelessness will be held on April 26, 2026 at noon.
  • The walk was first created in 2006 by students at Connecticut College's Holleran Center for Community Action and Public Policy.

The players

Annah Perch

The development manager at the New London Homeless Hospitality Center.

Rebecca McCue

The director of community engagement and Holleran Center operations at Connecticut College.

New London Homeless Hospitality Center

A nonprofit organization that works to create a safe space for adults facing homelessness in southeastern Connecticut and help them find permanent housing.

Holleran Center for Community Action and Public Policy

A center at Connecticut College that encourages students, faculty and staff to participate in responsible civic engagement and leadership for social justice within the local community.

Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut

The sponsor of the Walk to End Homelessness event.

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What they’re saying

“It's really just for people to be together in body and spirit. You know, showing their commitment for the end to homelessness and our care for our neighbors.”

— Annah Perch, Development Manager, New London Homeless Hospitality Center

“Housing isn't affordable. Housing is a huge issue, we do a lot of education around that, and have a lot of events around affordable housing. So I think it's important to build awareness.”

— Rebecca McCue, Director of Community Engagement and Holleran Center Operations, Connecticut College

What’s next

Participants can register for the walk alone or as a team online or in person on the day of the event. The registration fee is pay-what-you-can, but $25 is recommended.

The takeaway

The Walk to End Homelessness is an important annual event that raises funds and awareness for the critical issue of homelessness in southeastern Connecticut. By supporting the Homeless Hospitality Center's shelter and services, the community can help provide pathways to stable housing for those in need.