Registration is now open for the 35th annual Macomb Community Action Walk for Warmth. The walk is scheduled for Saturday, May 10 at the Robert A. VerKuilen Building located at 21885 Dunham Road in Clinton Township. On-site registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the walk beginning at 9 a.m. This is a family-friendly, pet-friendly event. All funds raised through the event will be used to assist low-income individuals with heat-related emergencies, like paying a utility bill or repairing/replacing a broken furnace.
"This event is a powerful statement about who we are as a community,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “For 35 years, Macomb County residents have stepped up, showing kindness and commitment to helping neighbors in need stay safe and warm during Michigan’s harsh winters. I encourage everyone to join us this year to continue that tradition of generosity and support."
Since it began, Walk for Warmth has raised over $789,000 to help ensure that local families can stay warm in their homes throughout the winter.
“Walk for Warmth has been a signature event to help support our neighbors in need during the winter months,” said Andrew Cox, director/health officer of Macomb County Health and Community Services. “It’s a fun, healthy way to support Macomb County residents who can really use the help.”
“Each year, Macomb County residents, community partners and our sponsors come together to build upon this outstanding legacy and demonstrate that Macomb County is a community of caring,” said Ed Scott, director of Macomb Community Action. “The Walk for Warmth is very important for county residents and provides essential support to help heat homes every winter. Join us and participate in this fun, community-focused event.”
The following instances illustrate the dramatic impact of community support for Walk for Warmth in Macomb County.
- When the furnace of a family with a limited fixed income from Social Security started to malfunction, MCA was able to use Walk for Warmth funds to correct the problem with the furnace and ensure the family had a safe, functional furnace.
- Walk for Warmth funds were also used to help a mother and her 8-year-old son with their natural gas bill to prevent service disconnection. The mother was employed, but was experiencing health concerns that limited her income and led to her falling behind on her bill. Even with a limited income, the family was ineligible for utility assistance programs that were available and therefore, Walk for Warmth funds were used to assist the family and prevent them from “falling through the cracks.”
This year’s Walk for Warmth event is sponsored by OneMacomb and Genisys Credit Union.
Individuals interested in participating in the 2025 Walk for Warmth can find details and a registration link at RunSignup.com/w4w2025. The registration fee is $30 per walker; children ages 12 and under are free. On the day of event (May 10), registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the walk will begin at 9 a.m.
