Open Door Mission, “Gooble Wobble” Draws Nearly 1,000 Participants

A week ago today on Thanksgiving morning, 915 racers and “wobblers” turned out to participate in the Glens Falls Gobble Wobble. This event benefited the Open Door Mission, which serves those struggling with hunger and homelessness in the region. For this 5K run/walk, CDPHP was the Presenting Sponsor, and Hilltop Construction Co. was the Stride Sponsor.

The race began at 226 Warren Street – The Open Door Mission – and circled through downtown Glens Falls to finish back at the Mission. 

Jen Steinberg, who participated in the race said, “Having attended this event again this year, I can say unequivocally that it is a beautiful, heartwarming event that makes me super proud of our community. Many homeowners were out on their lawns cheering and encouraging us as we walked past and raised money to help our most vulnerable community members through the tough winter ahead.”

The Open Door Mission exists to serve people at their point of need, cultivating personal growth and community sustainability. The Mission serves individuals that are homeless and low income by providing practical solutions to physical, spiritual, and relational brokenness. The Open Door Vision statement is to foster life transformation in a compassionate collaborative community: where the marginalized feel safe asking for help, resources are accessible, and all are treated with dignity. 

The Open Door started with Erie Blanchette’s concern for a shelter in the area – it became apparent that a soup kitchen was in immediate need. The Open Door served it’s first 13 meals from an RV in a parking lot on South Street in Glens Falls on September 5, 1991. Over the years, the Mission has been located at 24 South Street and on 47 Lawrence Street; in 2018, The Open Door Mission moved to its permanent location at 226 Warren Street. 

The Mission serves an average of more than 1,600 meals a month. It also provides sanctuary for people experiencing temporary homelessness. This location is also a Code Blue Shelter, and provides safety and protection during inclement weather. 

The Open Door Mission is a Christian Ministry where people in need are invited into a welcoming environment. The staff develops meaningful relationships and helps people become stable; and all of the services of The Open Door Mission are provided free of charge. For more information, please visit opendoor-ny.org