Around 3,000 people gathered at the Boston Common on Sunday for the 9th annual Winter Walk, an event that brings together volunteers, community leaders and those with lived experience of homelessness to demonstrate solidarity and raise money to address the issue. 

The event began with speeches from Winter Walk Executive Director Paulina Kusiak Daigle, Mayor Michelle Wu and former Mayor Martin Walsh. The event also featured a short documentary highlighting stories of local individuals who have experienced homelessness. 

The City of Boston reported last month that there was a 10.6% increase in homelessness between 2023 and 2024, a trend that mirrors national increases. 

 “Homelessness can affect anyone. It’s really something that is unexpected and caused by hardship,” said Kusiak Daigle. “So we need everyone to join together.”

The Winter Walk provides a space for people for homeless individuals to share their stories. Walking with the crowd was Jimbo (who declined to give his last name), a formerly homeless individual who lived on the streets of Boston from age 19 to 24. 

“It’s crazy out here in the streets. I used to be homeless myself out here,” he said. “It was cold, and people fought all the time,” he said. 

Kusiak Daigle said that participants walking “shoulder to shoulder” helps break down stigma. 

“Today is about blending everyone together,” said Kusiak Daigle. “No one knew who came from the street or who came from their home.” 

Bob Donahue, 26, a repeat participant from South Boston, said, “I walk personally because a good friend of mine who’s been involved with the walk since its founding through Common Cathedral also experienced homelessness for multiple years … And through the services that these organizations provide, he was able to get out of that situation that he was in.”

“I just want to do what I can to come out in support and bring as many people with me as possible,” said Donahue. 

A critical aspect of the Winter Walk is its focus on youth homelessness, an issue that is growing in Boston. Danny Santana, CEO of Inspiring Today’s Youth, a charity focused on youth homelessness, pointed out that the city has more homeless youth than adults, a statistic that many people are unaware of. 

Loren Belfort, 34, a volunteer, remembered her first experience with the walk five years ago. “I felt like there was a lot of camaraderie and excitement around raising awareness,” said Belfort. 

This year’s Winter Walk in Boston reached 83% of its fundraising target, making $419,692 toward its goal of $500,000. According to the site, all of the funds that are raised will go to their partner programs, including Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston Medical Center and St. Francis House. 

“We are the safest major city in America … but our work is not done until we end homelessness for good,” said Mayor Wu.