As Part of the National Day of Service, MLS Player Chris Wingert Puts Smiles on Children’s Faces at The Road Home

Despite being in the middle of his MLS season, Chris Wingert, a Defender for Real Salt Lake, spent time away from the soccer field to play in a different kind of arena- a children’s playroom. The bright and fun room at the Salt Lake Community Shelter gave Chris a chance to interact with 25 children whose families are currently staying at the shelter. The playtime gives the children a unique opportunity to just be kids and enjoy activities such as: coloring, baking, and playing tag. The smiles on their faces showed that the children appreciated the special treat of having a professional soccer player spend time with them and listen to their stories.

As an Athletes for Hope All-Star, Chris has frequently been active in the Salt Lake Community, but felt a special desire to give back as part of the United We Serve Campaign. After visiting the kids, Chris spoke about the importance of him being involved in this effort:

“For me, visiting the shelter was a great way to support the significance of September 11. I feel like anytime you can remember the victims of a tragedy, by helping the less fortunate in today's society, it's a great opportunity. One of the best ways that you can honor the victims and their families is to come together and try to do something productive”.

About the Road Home: The mission of The Road Home is to help people step out of homelessness and back into the community. They practice a "Housing First" philosophy, realizing that lack of housing is the most critical problem facing the homeless, and their other serious problems cannot be properly addressed until they obtain housing. In order to achieve this mission, they operate emergency housing facilities, provide emergency services, and apartment style living for families transitioning from homelessness. The Salt Lake City Community Shelter, that the Road Home operates, is the largest shelter in Utah and currently serves about 350 people. For more information about this great organization visit: The Road Home.