Emergency Shelter Services, Incorporated (ESS) is kicking-off its newest fundraising campaign, “Home Run for Homelessness” beginning Feb. 13, said ESS Executive Director Alysia G. Babcock.

The campaign is a challenge for local athletes (and the not-so-athletic) to get out and get some exercise while gathering sponsors to donate to help combat the issue of homelessness at the local level.

To start off the campaign, John Nelson, President of the Board for ESS, is currently seeking sponsors for his marathon run on February 13, 2011 in New Orleans.

Nelson was challenged by friends and family to get back into running after a series of health problems, and hopes to run the 26.2 mile race in fast enough time to qualify for the Boston Marathon later this year.

To do so, he will need to match his best personal time. More importantly, however, Nelson seeks to raise awareness of homeless issues and to get other individuals to help support agencies such as ESS that work to prevent and end homelessness in Berrien County.

The goal of the campaign’s first event is to raise $6,000 and to get runners  and other athletes to gather sponsors to support the Emergency Shelter Services.

To do so, Nelson will need approximately 250 sponsors to donate $1 per mile or $25 if he completes his run.

All collected funds will be used to support Emergency Shelter Services in their efforts at preventing and ending homelessness.  All donations are tax deductible.