Katy Castro and Javier Castro and their children are pictured during the YWCA’s Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser last year. Submitted photo

The Young Women’s Christian Association is scheduled to host its second annual Coldest Night of the Year Walk fundraiser Saturday.

Nationally, the Coldest Night of the Year Walk is described as a “winterrific” family-friendly walk to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness.

Locally, the Jamestown YWCA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the elimination of racism and the empowerment of women, is the walk’s organizing official agency. Money raised will go to the YWCA’s Jamestown Transitions Supportive Housing Program.

“The Transitions Supportive Housing initiative provides safe and affordable housing and service-enriched case management to women and children who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. The program offers opportunities for residents to identify their capabilities and develop the new skills necessary to be successful at healthy independent living,” said Amanda Gesing, executive director for the Jamestown YWCA. “We support each woman in her goals for long-term success.”

In 2023, Transitions Supportive Housing Program assisted 15 women and 12 children with support to self-sufficiency; the program also allows participants to receive services for as long as needed.

The YWCA said residents can obtain employment, graduate from school and job training programs and enroll in counseling programs.

“What is special about this event is that there are numerous locations in the USA and Canada that will all be doing the Coldest Night of the Year walk on the same day at the same time,” Gesing said.

The YWCA has a goal of raising $25,000; it has raised $10,305, or around 41%, of its targeted goal.

Online registration can be found at ywcajamestown.com/general-8