I’m hiking for LSC to support our local chapter in the Bay Area for two reasons. (1) I’m woefully out of shape; this event is a great excuse to get back in shape. (2) I’m a big believer in the mission to do our part to address poverty and inequality for our neighbors in the Bay Area. California is currently one of the most economically unequal states in the country. 10% of Bay Area residents live in poverty, and half of Bay Area residents experience economic insecurity over the year. Every quarter, I volunteer in the Tenderloin district in San Francisco. Although the Tenderloin has had a history of crime and poverty (over 25% of the Tenderloin residents live in poverty), it is also a gateway community where many immigrants and single parents transition to better opportunities. Incredibly, the LSC Bay Area chapter supports non-profits such as the Glide and the Larkin Street Youth Services, which are committed to helping the Tenderloin community. I appreciate any support for this incredible effort.