On Saturday, November 7, 2026, The Renewal Center will be hosting Annual Race for Renewal, a 5k Run-Walk for the homeless.
Formerly known as the Desiard Street Shelter, The Renewal Center is a nonprofit 501(C)3, Christ-Centered Ministry dedicated to assisting anyone who may be struggling, and strive to provide them with the resources and support they need to get back on their feet. They provide meals, laundry, showers, hygiene items, Bible studies, case management, vital document assistance, and connections to local resources.
This year's race is dedicated in memory of Mrs. Kay Southern, the founder of the Caring for the Homeless in Northeast Louisiana for the last 40 years.
Rev. Jon Tellifero, the Board President of The Renewal Center spoke about the center and the upcoming race in an interview on Lagniappe with Cory Crowe.
"The best way to describe it is we are a community shelter. What that means is it's a safe place to land," Rev. Jon Tellifero says. "Well, the dream is that we would have a safe place to rest for all people who just want a place to lay down. And right now, if you know where to scout out, you'll find bushes, you'll find sheds, you'll find pavilions where people that have no home are sleeping. And it's a problem for our community, our businesses, our law enforcement, and our homeowners. And we need a safe place for these people to recover and find a way forward."
This event will take place at Forsythe Park, on 2300 Sycamore Blvd Monroe, LA. Registration is open online until November 4th, and preregistration will open on race day at 7:00 AM. The race will begin at 9:00 AM at Pavilion 1 at Forsythe Park. Registration fees are $40 per person, and you can run, walk, or just watch if you choose.
All proceeds from this race will support the daily operations of The Renewal Center.
For more information about The Renewal Center, visit renewalcenternela.org. To sign up for the race now, visit runsignup.com.
