‘Run for Cover’ Sunday to Benefit HomeAid

The formerly and currently homeless will join thousands of county residents in a series of races Sunday to raise money for those without shelter.

Registration for the “Run for Cover” races, which benefit the nonprofit HomeAid Orange County, will begin at 6:30 a.m. at the Hard Rock Cafe in Newport Beach’s Fashion Island.

Runners who prefer not to rise so early may register instead at a warm-up party from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Hard Rock, 451 Newport Center Drive. Goodie bags, bib numbers and T-shirts will be available during the party.

HomeAid, founded by the Building Industry Assn. to create shelters for the homeless, expects as many as 3,000 people to jog their way through the events, officials said.

Youngsters who attend Sunday may run in a 1K Kids’ Fun Run, which begins at 9:40 a.m.

And everyone is invited to a blues concert by John “Juke” Logan at 9 a.m.

The beneficiaries of the weekend’s events will be the “transitionally homeless,” those who need shelter for 30 days to 18 months.

Agencies and nonprofit agencies across the county are hoping to draw attention to the fourth annual Homeless Awareness Week, which begins Monday.

Officials estimate that the county has from 12,000 to 15,000 men, women and children who are without shelter.

“Nearly anyone could become homeless at any time,” said Michael Lennon, executive director of HomeAid. “It’s amazing how many people live paycheck to paycheck or have a lot of debt that leaves them vulnerable to catastrophic illness or a sudden job loss.”

Registration fees today are $21 for adults and $12 for children 12 or younger. On event day, the entry fee will be $23 for adults and $12 for children.