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Benton Harbor Today
By the People, for the People
Benton Harbor Shelter Hosts 'Coldest Night of the Year' Fundraiser
Emergency Shelter Services' annual walk aims to raise $40,000 to support services for the homeless and hungry.
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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Emergency Shelter Services in Benton Harbor, Michigan is hosting its second annual 'Coldest Night of the Year' fundraising walk on February 28. The 5K and 2K walks are meant to raise awareness and funds for the shelter, which provides 28 beds for women and children experiencing homelessness in Berrien County. The organization is aiming to raise $40,000 this year, up from $20,000 raised at last year's event.
Why it matters
With federal funding for homeless services becoming less reliable, local shelters like Emergency Shelter Services are increasingly relying on direct community support to keep their operations running. The Coldest Night of the Year walk is a key fundraiser that allows the shelter to continue providing critical services to those in need.
The details
The Coldest Night of the Year walk will begin and end at The Secret Garden in Benton Harbor. Participants can choose to walk either a 5K or 2K route, with the goal of putting themselves 'in the shoes of an individual who is hurt, hungry, or homeless.' Adults who raise $150 and youth who raise $75 will receive the official Coldest Night of the Year winter hat.
- The Coldest Night of the Year walk will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
- Last year's event attracted 92 walkers and raised nearly $20,000.
The players
Emergency Shelter Services
A nonprofit organization that operates the only shelter for women and children in Berrien County, Michigan.
Sarah Eades
The Vice President of the Emergency Shelter Services Board.
What they’re saying
“We do a 5K and a 2K walk. It's a family event where we put ourselves in the shoes of an individual who is hurt, hungry, or homeless. And we walk a 5K or a 2K sort of in solidarity, but also in recognition of the gift that we have, that we have a place to go.”
— Sarah Eades, Board Vice President, Emergency Shelter Services (wsjm.com)
“We're obviously in a situation where federal funding is not a guarantee as it has been in the past, so we're really looking for direct donors and our community to keep the lights on, to keep things running.”
— Sarah Eades, Board Vice President, Emergency Shelter Services (wsjm.com)
What’s next
The Coldest Night of the Year walk will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The organization hopes to exceed its goal of $40,000 raised to support the shelter's operations.
The takeaway
As federal funding for homeless services becomes less reliable, local shelters like Emergency Shelter Services are increasingly relying on community support to keep their doors open. The Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser is a crucial way for the Benton Harbor community to come together and support those experiencing homelessness and hunger.
