San Angelo's First Annual 'Somebody's Rusty' Run this Saturday

SAN ANGELO, TX - Many of us have passed someone standing on the corner with a homemade sign asking for food, shelter and/or work; and many people may wonder how they got to that point in life. Some people speculate maybe that person lost jobs, have lost hope, struggles with addiction, and/or suffers from mental illness. Whatever the reason, it's a sight and situation of homelessness and despair that doesn't go away by shaking our heads.

 Candis Hicks is a member of the First United Methodist Church of San Angelo, and she feels strongly about helping people in this situation.  

She said, "We do many things in the community, and one of our missions is to minister to the homeless. The number of homeless fluctuates in San Angelo. There are two kinds of 'homeless:' those [who] couch surf, or move from one friend's or family's home to another, and those who actually live on the streets. Currently, there are 180-300 children in the San Angelo ISD who fall into one of those categories. As for homeless adults actually living on the street, we have somewhere around 100-200."

Hicks said overall, we may not know these people personally, and they may not mean anything to us, but, at one time, they meant something to someone; they were part of someone's family, or maybe they still are. 

"One day, my son and I were in the car and saw a homeless person on the street; he said, 'There's somebody's Rusty'," Hicks said.

Since grade school, John Russell "Rusty" Wells held a special place in Hicks' heart. Their paths would cross many times throughout the years, and over time, he became like 'family' in some aspects. Wells was an intelligent man with many admirable qualities who tried many times to 'fit' into society, but unfortunately, he found himself gravitating back to the streets again and again. On August 5, 2013, his struggle ended, but the memory lingers with those whose lives he touched.

That's how the name came about for the program that aims to help the homeless.

Hicks continued to explain that one of the events the church holds twice a year is the Laundry of Love.

"Every April and August, we will make arrangements with a local laundromat, and, for two hours, have use of their facility," she said. "The homeless can come in to do their laundry, and we provide the quarters and laundry soap.  At the same event, they are able to receive haircuts, nurses are there taking vital signs; and we hand out clothing and supplies. There are also portable showers on site for them to bathe. We're hoping other churches will join in so this can become a monthly event."

To make the money for this and other events, the members have decided to hold another fundraiser. 

Rusty's First Annual Arroyo Run will take place Saturday, October 22, at the Red Arroyo Trail (starting at Unidad Park), at 8 a.m. with a 5K/1 mile fun run/walk. Race day registration is $25 and will begin at 7 a.m.; event holders will be there as early as 6:30 a.m. The first 50 race registrants will receive a t-shirt, and t-shirts will also be available for purchase.

Hicks added, "One hundred percent of the proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit projects that help the homeless in our community." 

The story of how Somebody's Rusty got started is one of friendship, love and loss, and sheds light on the face of addiction and homelessness right here in San Angelo while offering help and hope.

Hicks said, "The hope of this ministry is also to share not only the bread of life, our risen Savior Jesus Christ and the warmth of his love, but to share literal bread, warmth and comfort to those without hope, trying to find their way."

If you cannot attend the event, but would like to make a donation, or for more information, please contact Candis Hicks at [email protected], or visit the Facebook event page @SomebodysRusty.