UTICA, N.Y. -- According to the Rescue Mission of Utica, homelessness is on the rise in the county.
Almost every day the organization is operating beyond capacity.
"We see a lot of homeless individuals who literally walk for miles every day trying to get services, get out of the cold. You know, find a place to sleep for the evening. So this is an opportunity for both young and not so young, to touch their hearts and walk a mile in somebody's shoes," said Rescue Mission of Utica Executive Director Jim Haid.
This was the fifth year of the event. In the past, more than $10,000 was raised from the event for the Rescue Mission.
"It stays right here in the community," said Haid. "Providing nights of stay as well as meals for those in our community in need who are hungry, and those who need a place to stay right here in the Utica, Oneida County area."
"This gives them a second chance in life to turn their life around and have food and shelter," said Participant Bill Cole. "And been introduced to God into their life."
For some, the walk itself is an eye-opening experience, but others already know first-hand what those chilly Utica walks are like.
"Myself, I was homeless," said Volunteer Greg St. Denis. "So I know what it is to be like that. A lot of people might not realize it, but you can become homeless at any moment."
St. Denis now volunteers with the Rescue Mission. He says the need for help is clear.
"There's far too many people that are going through the homeless shelter, and some people just don't make it to the homeless shelter," said St. Denis.
And he says for him, the shelter was a necessity.
"They say God is the great physician, and I consider the Rescue Mission his hospital," he said.
To learn more about the programs that the Rescue Mission of Utica offers, visit their website.