SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — A local nurse is coming to the aid of local seniors in Snohomish county.
Monica Reinoso is stepping away from her job and packing up to hike the Pacific Coast Trail to raise money for a local non-profit based in Lynnwood that delivers food to seniors, among other services.
"As a nurse, I've been working, and I see that our seniors are kind of pushed to the side, or forgotten about, and I've always kind of had that in my heart," Reinoso said.
Her 2,660-mile trek will begin in California at the Mexico border and end in Washington at the Canadian border. She hopes to raise $50,000 along her journey and spread awareness about senior hunger.
"We are going to be gone for six months," Reinoso said.
Her journey will benefit Homage, the largest provider of services for older adults and people with disabilities in Snohomish County. Each year more than 25,000 individuals benefit from Homage’s programs. One of the most visible services is their Meals On Wheels program that delivers groceries and meals to seniors throughout the county.
In 2020 Homage saw a nearly 50% increase in demand for meals. According to the organization's data, 48% of seniors currently have an income at or below the Federal Poverty Level.
“In 2021 we served 435,000 meals so the volume of growth and the need has increased dramatically in the last 2 years,” said Homage Director of Nutrition Leah Hammon.
Reinoso will travel by van to the southern border this weekend and will begin hiking the Pacific Crest Trail to Canada on March 6. Her trusty companion, Theodore, a yellow labrador, will join her for much of the journey with her family supporting her along the route in a van. Theo will hitch a ride with family members when the route gets too treacherous, Reinoso said.
You can consider donating on Homage's website and track her journey on Instagram @MonicaHikesForHunger starting in March.