Frequently Asked Questions

+ What is the Winter Walk?

The Winter Walk is a non-profit organization raising awareness and funds to end homelessness. This year, proceeds benefit many partner organizations. We bring together a number of incredible homeless service programs to share more info on the powerful work being done in our host cities. In addition to the walk, our year round efforts include education, outreach, and advocacy.

+ When is the Winter Walk?

Our 2025 walks will be on February 9th 2025.

+ How are the fundraising monies used by the Winter Walk?

All proceeds from participants and walk donors will be used to support our partner organizations, in the form of unrestricted funding. They will receive this support that provides critical needs and programs. We are grateful to support our administrative efforts through corporate sponsorship, independent donors, grants, and in kind donations so that all funds raised by walkers and their donors can go to our partners.

+ Where is The Winter Walk and what is the Walk route?

Our 2025 walks will be on February 9th 2025.

+ What is the event schedule?

AS we get closer to the 2025 walk we will update the schedule for each city we are in.

+ What if I cannot participate in the walking portion, due to mobility or other challenges?

Our event is for everyone! The 2 mile walk is just one part of the event, and while it occurs, our event plazas are still bustling with energy as our partners offer info about their work, music plays, we drink coffee and hot chocolate, and are thoughtful about the issues we care about it. The Boston Common is wheelchair accesible, and our routes stay on sidewalks so that wheelchair and mobility devices are able to more easily be used.

+ How do I register for the Winter Walk?

Registration opens annually on October 10th, World Homeless Day! Participants can register as individuals, or set up a team to walk with friends, colleagues, and more. Individuals can also register multiple people at once, such as family or friend groups. The Winter Walk encourages a registration fee of $100 for adults and $50 for youth/students. All who attend must be registered. If the registration fee is not an option for you, please reach out and we'll make sure you find a way to walk. Email info@winterwalk.org for more info.

While not required, we welcome all participants who are walking to do additional fundraising for the Winter Walk (every dollar makes an impact, and we can help you with resources to fundraise!).

Participants of all ages are required to review our liability waiver and accept the terms. Parents/guardians can read and accept on behalf of participants under 18 years of age.

+ What do I get with my registration fee?

The registration fee provides the opportunity to participate in the Winter Walk, along with a limited edition Winter Walk hat (we make a new one every year!) with our logo (you will receive this on the day of the event at the registration table or have it mailed in advance for remote participation). The fee also provides access to the community breakfast after the walk as well as the incredible opportunity to hear stories from our partners and the homeless community of Boston. If you pay up front, your fee is tax deductible, or all donations towards your fee or fundraising goal are tax deductible to your donors.

+ Is there a fundraising minimum?

If you are fundraising your fee rather than paying up front, we ask that each adult participant fundraise $100, and that youth and students raise $50. Every contribution makes an impact. Each participant is encouraged but not required to raise additional funds in an effort to make strides towards our common goal of ending homelessness in Boston. A goal could be to double the amount of your registration fee, or to raise as much as $500 or more. Every effort is incredible. And we can help you reach your goal!

+ How do I fundraise?

Our guide to fundraising is downloadable here, and it has plenty of resources to help you! We are working with QGiv, a wonderful fundraising platform that helps you reach out to people to help contribute to the cause. And all the donations received are tax deductible to your donors.

+ Will donors receive tax documentation for their donations?

Yes! All donations that your supporters give towards your participation in the walk are fully tax deductible. All your donors will receive tax documentation, via email or letter, for their gifts.

+ What is The Winter Walk's tax ID number?

The Winter Walk is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization (EIN 92-0734185). Your contribution is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

+ Can I start a team?

Yes! When you click register you can select to walk as an individual, join a team, or start a new team. If you choose to start a team, you can create your own group of friends, family, co-workers and beyond! You can invite more people to join your team, the program makes it easy to share with people through many channels. If you are walking as a team, please set a location on to meet your fellow walkers. We encourage teams to attend the walk and show team pride - wear matching scarves, carry signs, decorate and have fun. But no pressure, just being there together is what we're most excited about!

+ Can I transfer my registration, register on behalf of someone else, or give a registration as a gift?

Yes, registrations can be transferred or given as gifts. In the event of a transfer, the actual participant in the walk must provide us with their contact information and sign our liability waiver.

+ I don't want to walk, how can I help?

There are many ways to help the Winter Walk. You can help spread the word, share our website, Facebook, [Instagram] and [Twitter]. You can visit the sites of our partner organizations and help share their incredible work. You can volunteer to help with our walk, or better yet, volunteer to help our many partner organziations organizations. You can also make a donation to the Winter Walk here.

+ What should I wear to the Winter Walk?

Please wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes for walking. The Winter Walk takes place rain, snow, or shine (unless it's a state of emergency, but we're hopeful that won't happen). Participants should be prepared for very cold weather and possible inclement conditions. We have some extra disposable ponchos and hand warmers for you, but come prepared! The time outside will be about 2 hours for the full event.

+ Will there be sign language interpreting of the live event?

Yes, we will be joined on stage by ASL interpreters to share our presentation from the stage!

+ Will there be lavatories? Warming stations?

There will be a limited number of portable lavatories onsite, including an accessible lavatory. There will be a limited number of small warming stations. Please wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes for walking. The Winter Walk takes place rain, snow, or shine.

+ Can I bring a stroller?

Yes, please feel free to bring strollers if it helps with walking with little ones! Just be aware we may be walking on sidewalks, rather than closing down streets. So we will be close to each other when walking on public streets, as well as crossing public and active streets along the way. We'll have volunteers there to help!

+ Can I bring my dog?

We love dogs! If they are good in crowds and cold, and can walk within our route safely with others, including small children, then sure! You can even register your dog to walk and receive a special doggie goody bag, with a limited edition Winter Walk bandana. Just to note, we may be walking on sidewalks. So we will be close to each other when walking on public streets, as well as crossing public and active streets along the way.