Annual bed race helps inform community about VIP's programs

Valley Interfaith Promise director Daniel Mitchell says the nonprofit organization's annual bed race is its top fundraising event, but the exposure can be just as important as the money collected.

"Those we could help are not always finding their way to us," Mitchell said.

VIP is a transitional housing program, started in Columbus in 2006, that provides shelter, meals, transportation and support services to homeless children and their families, enabling them to work their way back to stability. These provisions are made possible through individual donations and from partnerships with local congregations, businesses and social service agencies.

"Our folks are not chronically homeless," he said. "These are families who ran out of luck all at once. We are not a traditional shelter. We give people a chance to catch their breath. Nobody else does what we do."

The number of qualified families coming to VIP has dropped recently, but Mitchell believes homelessness in the area is still a big problem. He said more families just have to be pointed in VIP's direction.

And the race helps get the word out about VIP.

This year's event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 27. The race course is a straight run on 14th Street going from First Avenue to Broadway. The course is approximately 150 yards long.

"We have 16 teams," said Mitchell, who added that it is not too late to enter or contribute to VIP. Those wishing to do so can go online at www.valleyinterfaithpromise.com or call 706-494-6348.

In the race, teams of five from local churches, schools, businesses, etc. construct a bed on wheels and decorate it with the theme of its choice. Each team raises money for VIP. "Last year, we raised $31,000, which I understand is a record for the race," Mitchell said. "We will make sure the money is well-spent."

The bed must run on manpower only. There is one rider and four pushers.

A participant will be Bob Hinson, owner of Hinson Galleries, a Columbus furniture store that opened in 1951.

"It's fun," said Hinson, who has participated before. "I just need to find some runners."

He likes the work done by VIP.

"It helps people to get back from a tough time," Hinson said.

Mitchell, who has been director of VIP a little more than a year, hopes the exposure from the race not only helps lead prospective families to VIP, but also more civic organizations to work as a host.

Hosts provide shelter for families on a rotating basis.

"All of the hosts are churches," Mitchel said. "We would like to get more civic organizations, which have a suitable location, to get involved."

Churches currently working with VIP are First Presbyterian Church in Columbus; First Baptist Church in Columbus; St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Columbus; St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Columbus; St. Luke United Methodist Church in Columbus; St. Mark United Methodist Church in Columbus; Rose Hill Church of Christ in Columbus; Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church in Columbus; Trinity Episcopal Church in Columbus; Lakewood Baptist Church in Phenix City; First Baptist Church in Phenix City; Summerville United Methodist Church in Phenix City; Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Phenix City; Rock Presbyterian Church in Columbus; Grace Presbyterian Church in Columbus; St. Peter United Methodist Church in Columbus; Evangel Temple Assemblies of God in Columbus; and Morningside Baptist Church in Columbus.

VIP has a day center on Third Avenue, which families use to search for work and affordable housing.

Mitchell said VIP is a program for working families. If employed, a proper budget must be kept. If unemployed, a job must be actively sought.

"We can't magically get someone a job, but we can help," Mitchell said.

This story was originally published February 19, 2016 at 9:30 PM with the headline "Annual bed race helps inform community about VIP's programs ."