Caring Causes - 5th Annual “Down For The Challenge” Urban Rappelling Event Opens for Registration (MN)

 The Twin Cities Salvation Army has announced the official launch of registration for the fifth annual Down for the Challenge urban rappelling event, set to take place on Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26 at the OMNI Viking Lakes Hotel in Eagan.

 

NFL Hall-of-Famer Cris Carter helped kick off the registration campaign at a launch event in downtown Minneapolis yesterday alongside corporate partners, Twin Cities social media influencers, and Salvation Army supporters.

Down for the Challenge is more than just a thrilling urban adventure — it’s an initiative to raise awareness and funding to combat the growing housing crisis across Minnesota. On any given night, well over 10,000 Minnesotans experience homelessness¹, according to the latest Wilder Research report. Rising costs have pushed many families to the brink, with 57,000 Minnesota households currently behind on rent² and eviction filings up 44% versus pre-pandemic levels³.

The Salvation Army is calling on 150 motivated individuals to rappel 15 stories down the side of the OMNI hotel and, in so doing, raise $1,000 with an easy-to-use peer-to-peer platform. These donations make a real impact, helping families avoid eviction, as well as provide emergency shelter, food, and transitional housing for those working toward stability and independence.

New this year is the opportunity for those with disabilities to rappel through use of a special roof platform. Natasha Best, a paraplegic who found housing through a Salvation Army program, will be the first person at Down For The Challenge to rappel in a wheelchair.

A unique element to the event kick-off is that last Thursday, nearly 100 billboards throughout the Twin Cities will pose the question “You Down?” for five straight minutes at 6 AM, 7AM, and 8 AM, and again at 5 PM, 6 PM, and 7 PM.  The billboards will also display the Down For The Challenge web address where people can register or get more information.

The Down For The Challenge event has raised more than $2 million over the past four years to support programs that help families facing eviction, provide emergency shelter, and maintain housing for low-income seniors and those with disabilities.

“In the face of higher food and rent costs, it’s an immense challenge for many people to afford housing, especially those who have dealt with generational poverty all their lives,” said Lt. Colonel Randall Polsley, Salvation Army Northern Division commander. “The Down for the Challenge initiative provides critical support for our homelessness prevention programs but also supports emergency and transitional housing programs that help move people along a path toward self-sufficiency.”

Participants who raise $1,000 could help fund:

• Eviction prevention for three families
• 20 nights of emergency shelter, meals, and other care
• 3 months of transitional housing
• Nearly 3,000 pounds of food or 1,800 hot meals

To register, donate, or learn more, visit DownForTheChallenge.com.