Brrr…it’s cold out there. On February 28, 2026 be a part of The Coldest Night of the Year in support of YWCA Jamestown’s Empower Her Housing Program. Team up, fundraise, walk, and take a moment to look closer... because it’s cold out there.
About the Event
The Coldest Night of the Year is a winterrific family-friendly walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. Each February, thousands of people across the country step outside their comfort zone to show compassion and solidarity with those who are struggling in the cold.
Since 2023, the Jamestown community has come together to support YWCA Jamestown’s Empower Her Housing program, the only communal housing program in Chautauqua County. Everyone is welcome. Families, churches, businesses, schools and community groups all take part. Get a group together and form a team or join on your own. When you register, you’ll create a fundraising page to share with friends and family to support your walk.
Be a Sponsor
When you partner with YWCA Jamestown as a sponsor for Coldest Night of the Year, your organization not only demonstrates your support for our community—you are providing safety, shelter, dignity, and hope. Our sponsors are front and center throughout the campaign, featured on our website, promoted in event materials and acknowledged on the day of the walk. Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $1000. Ready to join us? Contact Executive Director Amanda Gesing at agesing@ywcajamestown.com or call 716-488-2237.
Event Details
When: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Start: YWCA Jamestown, 401 North Main Street
Time: 4pm check-in | 5pm send off
Where: 2km or 5km routes around downtown Jamestown
Our walk wraps up at the Wintergarten Plaza where there’s plenty of treats, hot cocoa and music to celebrate all of you and your support for your community.
Why We Walk…
We are more than a social services organization. We are a community of like-minded citizens coming together to create a more peaceful and just society for all–and we need your help. Join us and help YWCA Jamestown build a fearless future where all people can live free of harm and oppression.
At the YWCA Jamestown, we know we cannot do this work alone. Our power comes from the women and girls we serve, and it comes from our bold, passionate supporters, like you, who are equally committed to the work of justice. When you support YWCA Jamestown, you amplify our ability to support women in our community.
These funds will help YWCA Jamestown do the work until injustice is rooted out, until institutions are transformed, until the world sees women, girls, and people of color the way we do: Equal. Powerful. Unstoppable.