January 31, 2026 * Cascade Lake Park * Rochester, MN
Even on the coldest days of a Minnesota winter, families with children in our community are facing unstable housing, unsafe living conditions, and homelessness. You can help change that.
Bundle up and join us on one of the coldest days of the year to show families experiencing homelessness that they are not alone. Walk on your own, with your family, or as part of a team—every step helps raise funds and awareness for the hundreds of children in Olmsted County facing housing instability.
Your participation helps ensure that every child has a warm, safe place to sleep — even in the coldest month of the year.
Registration opens soon
About
Event Details
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - Noon
Where: Cascade Lake Park, Rochester MN
Distance: 2 mile loop on an accessible, paved path
Who: Everyone is welcome. Families, churches, businesses, schools and community groups all take part. Pets are welcome to walk, but will not be allowed indoors.
Cost: Registration fees cover our expenses, but fundraising is how you truly make a difference for families
Adults: $30
Children: $10 (children 3 and under are free)
Family Max: $80
How It Works:
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Register online (coming soon)
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Create your personal fundraising page
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Set a meaningful fundraising goal
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Send emails to friends and family to support your walk.
Register to Walk
You can participate in whatever way fits you best:
Walk as an Individual
Register on your own and set a personal fundraising goal.
Walk as a Family
Families are encouraged to register together and enjoy this winter event as a shared experience. Each registrant receives an event beanie.
Walk as a Team
Gather coworkers, friends, your faith community, a student group, club, or neighborhood crew and walk together for families experiencing homelessness.
Whether you walk solo, with your family, or as a team—your presence makes an impact.
All Registrations Include:
✔️ Branded winter beanie
✔️ Hot cocoa bar
✔️ Access to warming-house activities
✔️ Family-friendly walk at Cascade Lake
✔️ Music, community, and winter fun
Why We Walk
Family homelessness is urgent, local, and growing—and yet it is often hidden from view. When we walk on one of the coldest days of the year, we shine a light on this invisible crisis and stand with families working hard to find stability.
Family Homelessness in Our Community
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1 in 19 U.S. children will experience homelessness by age six.
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35% of Minnesotans experiencing homelessness are families with children.
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886+ children in Olmsted County are experiencing homelessness right now.
Families facing homelessness are often sleeping in cars, motels, doubled-up situations, or rotating between temporary places. They carry the weight of constant uncertainty—especially parents trying to keep children safe, warm, and in school.
The Impact of Family Promise Rochester
Every step you take supports the only family shelter in Southeast Minnesota and the full continuum of services that help families avoid homelessness, move into shelter when necessary, and rebuild stability. Family Promise Rochester’s impact is powerful, cost-effective, and deeply community-driven.
EVICTION PREVENTION
Helping families avoid homelessness before it begins.
2025 Year-to-Date:
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75 families with children prevented from entering homelessness
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Average $1,314 cost per family
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151% of annual budgeted prevention funding already used due to overwhelming need
SHELTER
For families with nowhere else to go, Family Promise provides safe temporary housing and intensive case management.
2025 Data:
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Serving 10-14 families with children at a time
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Over 50 families consistently on the waitlist
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9 families graduated to permanent housing this year
STABILIZATION
After families move into housing, Family Promise continues walking alongside them to ensure long-term success.
Support includes:
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Financial coaching
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Employment and job readiness
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Transportation and resource connections
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Ongoing case management
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Basic needs support and community building
Interested in Volunteering?
Help check in participants, serve cocoa, cheer on walkers, or support activities in the warming house.
Sponsor the Event
Join us in making a powerful impact for families experiencing homelessness in Rochester. The Coldest Day of the Year Walk brings our community together each winter to raise critical support for Family Promise Rochester’s shelter, eviction prevention, and stabilization programs.
By becoming a sponsor, your organization helps ensure that every child has a safe, warm place to call home—while gaining meaningful visibility and alignment with a mission that matters deeply in our community.