Photos from previous oldest Night of the Year fundraising walk courtesy of Shelter of Flint
FLINT, Jan 26, 2026 – Everyone is invited to lace up their boots and join the Flint community for the Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk, in support of Shelter of Flint. This family-friendly winter event takes place on Saturday, February 28, at the UM-Flint Northbank Center, 432 N Saginaw Street.
Check-in begins at 4 p.m., and the walk kicks off at 5 p.m. Registration is now open at cnoy.com/flint, where participants can sign up to walk and fundraise to help end homelessness in Genesee County.
Shelter of Flint’s CEO Linda Bielskis, explained: :This walk allows the community to step into the shoes of those who face the brutal Michigan winter without a place to call home. With our shelter now serving more people than ever as a temporary warming center, it’s a powerful reminder of why our work matters. This event strengthens our commitment to providing warmth, safety and a path forward for those who need it most.”
Supporters are encouraged to form fundraising teams by recruiting family, friends, neighbors and coworkers to join this fun and impactful evening. Walkers can choose between a 1-mile or 3-mile route, with live musical entertainment and warm Starbucks beverages to keep energy up along the way.
After the walk, attendees will gather for a post-walk celebration with warm food and drinks courtesy of
Timothy’s Pub.
Additionally, participants who raise $150 or more (or $75 for youth) will take home a cozy Coldest Night of the Year beanie as a thank-you for braving the winter night and supporting Shelter of Flint’s work.
This marks Shelter of Flint’s fifth year participating in the Coldest Night of the Year, with a fundraising goal of $35,000 to support their efforts in providing housing to those in need in Genesee County. The
event aims to bring together over 200 walkers for this evening of empowerment.
Having served the community for over 40 years, Shelter of Flint relies on the funds raised during the Coldest Night of the Year to support its mission to provide safe housing, independence and stability to those in need in the community.
To register for the Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk, visit cnoy.com/flint
