Sept. 14, 2026
Contact: Kim Walker, 704-940-3149

Decade-long event has raised more than $242,000 to support homeless initiatives across the Charlotte region

CHARLOTTE, N.C. —  The Canopy Housing Foundation is celebrating a decade of community impact as it announces the 10th Anniversary Strides for Shelter 5K Run + Walk on Sat., October 17, 2026, at McAlpine Creek Park in Charlotte.

Since its inception, Strides for Shelter 5K has brought together Realtors®, industry partners, runners, walkers, families, and community advocates with one shared goal: supporting local organizations that address homelessness and housing insecurity. Over the past nine events, the race has raised more than $242,000, with every dollar raised reinvested into the Charlotte community through local nonprofit organizations working to provide shelter, housing stability, and hope for vulnerable individuals and families.

"Over the past decade, Strides for Shelter has shown what can happen when a community comes together around the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home," said Joan B. Goode, 2026 President of Canopy Realtor® Association. "Every dollar raised stays right here in our community, supporting organizations like Crisis Assistance Ministry that help individuals and families overcome housing instability and financial crisis. We are proud that Strides for Shelter continues to fund projects that restore dignity, create opportunity, and strengthen our community."

2026 Beneficiary: Crisis Assistance Ministry
Proceeds from the 2026 Strides for Shelter 5K Run + Walk will benefit Crisis Assistance Ministry, a vital Charlotte-Mecklenburg nonprofit that helps local individuals and families facing financial emergencies remain safely housed and move toward long-term stability. Through emergency rent and utility assistance, financial counseling, and access to essential household goods, the organization serves as a critical safety net for residents experiencing financial hardship.

Funds raised through the 2026 event will support a major transformation of Crisis Assistance Ministry's Free Store, which provides clothing, shoes, baby items, and household essentials at no cost to community members in need. Planned improvements will modernize the shopping environment by enhancing organization, improving traffic flow, and creating a more welcoming and dignified experience for families accessing these essential resources. The upgrades will help ensure neighbors facing difficult circumstances can receive support in a space designed to promote comfort, respect, and hope.

A Decade of Community Impact
Since 2018, Strides for Shelter has partnered with local nonprofits to fund projects that address critical housing and homelessness needs throughout the Charlotte region. Beneficiaries have included:

• 2018 – Men's Shelter of Charlotte
• 2019 – The Relatives
• 2020 – No race held due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• 2021 – Hope House Foundation
• 2022 – Charlotte Rescue Mission
• 2023 – Charlotte Family Housing
• 2024 – Home Again Foundation
• 2025 – Project Outpour
• 2026 – Crisis Assistance Ministry

Together, these partnerships have allowed the Canopy Housing Foundation and its supporters to invest in shelter improvements, supportive housing programs, housing stability initiatives, and services that help individuals and families transition toward permanent housing and self-sufficiency.

Race Details
Individuals and teams can register at stridesforshelter5k.com. Registration is open until the morning of the race.

The family-friendly event will once again feature the traditional McAlpine Creek Park cross-country course, a Kids Zone, Fun Run, race t-shirts, swag bags, post-race refreshments, and a virtual participation option for supporters who wish to complete the 5K on their own time.

Returning for a second year as Grand Marshal, Steve Maney, co-host of Charlotte's beloved Maney and LauRen Morning Show now on K 104.7, will help kick off the 10th Anniversary Strides for Shelter 5K Run + Walk. A familiar voice to thousands of Charlotte listeners each morning, Maney is equally well known for his commitment to giving back to the community through his support of local charities, making him a natural champion for the mission of Strides for Shelter 5K.

Community members, Realtors®, industry partners, and local businesses are encouraged to register, sponsor, volunteer, or form teams to support this year's milestone event.

Know Before You Go:

• Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
• Location: McAlpine Creek Park, Charlotte, N.C.
• 5K Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
• Register: stridesforshelter5k.com
• Beneficiary: Crisis Assistance Ministry

2026 Race Day Schedule

• 7:00 a.m. — Packet Pickup Opens
• 8:30 a.m. — 5K Run/Walk Begins
• 9:15 a.m. — Fun Run Begins
• 9:30 a.m. — Awards Ceremony

For more information or to register, visit www.stridesforshelter5k.com. 

Canopy Housing Foundation is the charitable arm of the Canopy Realtor® Association, dedicated to creating a community where all housing needs are met. By empowering Realtors® through advocacy, education, funding, and leadership, the foundation supports fair, affordable housing and local workforce-housing initiatives across the region.  For more information, visit www.CanopyHousingFoundation.org.