About Bedford Men's Warming Shelter
The Men's Warming Shelter is a low-barrier, cold-weather, overnight shelter for any and all men experiencing homelessness. Started in 2014 following a great tragedy in our community - the freezing death of an unknown, unsheltered homeless man - the faith leaders of our community came together to start a safe refuge for men to spend the winter. Today, the Men's Warming Shelter provides both basic needs - warm comfortable beds, hot home-cooked meals, showers and clean clothes - as well as support services including medical and mental health care, addiction treatment, education and job training opportunities, and housing placement. Our greatest asset is our community: the amazing churches, organizations, government agencies, and private citizens, who work together to provide a place of love, peace, and hope for our shelter guests.
We invite you to be a part of our upcoming 5k/1m fundraiser, the Coldest Night of the Year, on February 24th, 2024. We can walk together, increase homelessness awareness together, and raise funds to serve those in need together. Sign up today as a team leader or join a team, become a volunteer, make a donation, or help spread the word, and know that YOU are making a difference right here in Lawrence County!
Event Day Details
Save the date - CNOY Day is February 24, 2024!
1101 15th St, Bedford IN 47421
The Men's Warming Shelter "Coldest Night of the Year" 5k/1m will begin at First Christian Church at 1105 15th St, Bedford, IN 47421.
Local Details
Parking
Parking is available in the First Christian Church at First United Methodist Church parking lots, both accessible from K St.
Schedule
- 4:00 pm: Meet Check-in + Welcome
- 6:00 pm: Munch Light meal served
- 7:00 pm: Mosey Goodbye + see you in 2025!
Not able to join us in person at the Main Event? We hope you'll register, fundraise and walk offsite with friends and family.
Route Details
- Route Distances: Check out the maps below to see where we will be walking.
- Rest stop: Keep an eye out for opportunities to rest and refresh with yummy snacks along the route.
- Signage: All routes will be well-signed with our bold blue CNOY signs.
- Route Support: Route marshals, rest stop hosts, and support vehicle drivers provide support along the route.
- Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
- Pets: We love our little furballs like you do, but pets are not permitted at the Coldest Night of the Year except for approved and trained service animals. Read more about our pet policy
Check-in
- All walkers participating at the Main Event on Saturday, February 24, 2024 must check-in upon arrival.
- Toques! Fundraising walkers who raise $150+ (or $75+ for those under 18) will receive a CNOY toque as a thank you on event day, while supplies last.
- (Psst... a toque is what CNOYers call that trademark winter hat. Read more here: CNOY toque)
- Offsite fundraising walkers can contact their local event director to arrange toque pickup the week of the event.
Have questions? Visit the FAQ section!
Handling Money
- Credit Card: The Best Option! Simple, secure, automatically tax receipted for gifts of $20+. Visit the Donate page, share your personal page link, or have your donor call CNOY Head Office.
- Checks: The Old Faithful - made payable to Blue Sea Philanthropy USA with the name of the walker or team on the memo line. Mail them to CNOY Head Office along with your completed pledge sheet. (Scroll down to find the address)
- Cash: You have 2 options:
- 1. Login to FundHub, click “Enter $$ and Checks,” create pledges for your cash donations, pay them off with your personal credit card, and keep the cash. OR...
- 2. Write a check (made out to "Blue Sea Philanthropy USA”) for the total amount of cash you’ve collected. Mail it to the CNOY Head Office with your completed pledge sheet.
Waivers
All participants must register online this year and accept the electronic waiver.
- Adults accept the waiver automatically when they register online.
- Youth/Children under 18 need a waiver signed by their parent or guardian.
- An online form will be emailed to all parents/guardians before CNOY Day.
- Waivers will also be available at check-in on CNOY Day.
What to Bring
A few common sense suggestions:
- A cell phone for emergencies (recommended but not required)
- Good waterproof shoes/boots for walking
- Warm coat and mitts/gloves
- Extra snacks if you have allergies or food sensitivities
- A passion for the charity you're walking and fundraising for