118 Miles In 8 Days: Valley Rescue Mission To Run For Change

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA — Two leaders from the Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission are setting out on a multi-marathon run to raise money for their efforts to end homelessness. Ken Craft and Rowan Vansleve, CEO and CFO, will run 118 miles across 8 days in the 'Rally To the Valley,' aiming to bring home 150 unhoused residents in the Valley.

"Normally this time of year, our CFO and Ken Craft our CEO are training for the LA Marathon," Hope of the Valley said. "It is traditionally our largest fundraiser in the first quarter of the year. Due to Covid, it is cancelled this year, but we still need to raise money for the Mission especially this year as we prepare to open 6 new shelters and add over 600 beds."

During the run, the two will visit each of the Missions locations, including North Hollywood, Santa Clarita and Lancaster. Craft and Vansleve will also visit landmarks like Skateland, and Alexandria Park, where residents can cheer them on.

A full schedule, along with opportunities to donate or sponsor the event, is available here. The rally will start March 19 and end March 27.

"This run, figuratively and literally, will be a Home run... A run to bring people home," Hope of the Valley said.

The mission was founded in 2009, and offers numerous services to aid the homeless. In 2020, Hope of the Valley opened an 85-bed bridge housing facility in North Hollywood, along with a larger site in Van Nuys.