The Inaugural Paper Mile
Working Together so Every Neighbor has a Safe Place and Warm Meal
Access to safe, warm shelter and nutritious food are essential for every neighbor. We know this. It’s the first thing our children learn in their STEM classes. Still, right here in Wake County, there are 1,258 people who will be unhoused tonight, and more than 33,500 children who must wonder where their next meal will come from.
If we are really going to be neighbors to and for one another, we must address the issues of hunger and homelessness with an awareness that builds a sense of empathy, and action/advocacy that brings about real change.
To that end, we invite you to consider joining us in a new initiative: The Inaugural Paper Mile. It’s more than just a paper chain. It’s more than just a series of prayers. It’s more than just a fundraiser. It’s holding ourselves accountable to the image of neighbor we claim to be.
What is the Paper Mile?
What is the Paper Mile?
We want to create a literal mile of awareness for homelessness and hunger in Wake County. We intend to begin by constructing a paper chain of 1,258 links (representing our 1,258 unhoused neighbors in Wake County). Each length will be approximately 7.5 inches long and include a 27-word prayer, encouraging thought, or good vibe.
1,258 links x 27 words per link = 33,500 words
(representing the 33,500 children in Wake County experiencing food insecurity).
Note: If you do the math, the first chain would equal 786 feet. Therefore, we would need to make 8 chains to surpass a mile, or roughly 8,488 links. We may not get there on our first try, but we won’t stop until we do.
How Does It Work?
How Does It Work?
Beginning February 18 (Ash Wednesday), we encourage individuals, households, small groups, whole congregations, or any gathered body, to write their short prayers (at least 27 words) on paper links, and create paper chains in groups of 25, 50, or 100 links. We will collect these chains through Friday, March 20. Once the chains are collected, our tentative plan is to assemble them the week of March 23, and then display the collective chain on Friday, April 3 (Good Friday).
Our hope is to gather as many people as possible on or near Good Friday to help hold and display the chain along the sidewalk of East Millbrook Road between Millbrook Baptist Church (1519 E. Millbrook Road) and Millbrook United Methodist Church (1712 E. Millbrook Road), which is adjacent to the Bryant Center. A contingency plan is to simply wrap the chain around the perimeter of the Millbrook Baptist Church campus. The number of paper links we receive, and the number of volunteers willing to help extend the chain will determine our ultimate plan. Final details will be shared no later than Wednesday, March 25.
Is This a Fundraiser?
Is This a Fundraiser?
Yes, there is a fundraising component. We are supporting two vital initiatives in Wake County: The Angel Fund of Wake County Public Schools, and The Bryant Center. The Angel Fund exists to support school children who are unable to purchase school meals. The Bryant Center is the newest White Flag Emergency Shelter in Wake County, and provides safety, dignity, and support for people experiencing homelessness in Wake County. We believe these are two direct ways to profoundly address the acute needs of neighbors in our own backyard.
Donations can be made via check, cash, or online to Millbrook Baptist Church and notated "The Paper Mile." You can also Text "MILLBROOK" to 73256 to give using your mobile device. Proceeds will be divided equally between the two organizations. Donations can also be made directly to each organization via their websites.
Two figures to consider: $12.58, a penny for every neighbor experiencing homelessness, or $16.67, representing the 1 in 6 children in Wake County (16.67%) experiencing food insecurity. Or if you are feeling very generous, $335, a penny for all 33,500 food insecure children in Wake County. Please know that ANY donation of ANY amount is appreciated.
The Data
The Data
A 2023 study by FeedingAmerica.org reports that there are more than 33,500 children in Wake County who experience food insecurity. This means they do not know where their next meal will come from. Statewide, the number is approaching 500,000 children.
In the Summer of 2025, the News and Observer reported that on any given night in Wake County, there are 1,258 unhoused neighbors. That’s 1,258 people who slept in cars, tents, shelters and on the streets, counted by volunteers on a cold January night. The number of unhoused neighbors jumps to nearly 1,800 if you include the whole of the Triangle region.
What Do We Hope to Accomplish?
What Do We Hope to Accomplish?
- Awareness: We want to visualize the depth and scale of homelessness and hunger in our community in a way that provokes meaningful action. We want to put both numbers and faces to these issues. We also believe that a mile-long, multi-colored paper chain, held by neighbors from all over the city, and stretching down the sidewalk of a busy thoroughfare will garner attention. And if it does, that means needed attention to two organizations making a difference.
- Accessible Community and Advocacy: Cutting paper, writing prayers, connecting chains, and just being thoughtful are activities that people of every age and ability can participate in.
- Spiritual Power: Our words, thoughts, prayers, and acts of intentionality REALLY DO matter. They matter on a relational, person-to-person level. The chain reveals the connectivity and impact of our collective expressions.
- Movement: Small contributions add up quickly. Suppose someone gives $16.67 to the Angel Fund. That donation would nearly cover a week’s worth of school lunches for a child in need. And what if that small act of kindness meant a week without worry or anxiety for a student, and instead, a space for joy, and growth, and real learning? And what if it happened 10 times, or a 100 times? For 10 kids or 1,000 kids? Our county would be all the better for it.
How Can I Participate?
How Can I Participate?
We have created packets of 25, 50, and 100 paper strips for distribution that will be available for pickup by Wednesday, February 18. Email Bob Stillerman (bob@millbrookbaptistchurch.org) to arrange for pickup at Millbrook Baptist Church (1519 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27614).
If it’s easier to use your own materials, we’ve included a template. We request that you use brightly colored and thicker card stock paper to ensure a strong chain. The template works for tabloid paper (11x17). Simply cut the strips, staple the ends, and connect the strips to create a chain. The writing should be on the outside of the paper. We request that written prayers are at least 27 words long to help us reach our 33,500-word target. Write your own prayer or good thought, or feel free to use one of these prompts.
Completed chains can be delivered back to Millbrook Baptist Church by Friday, March 20. Email Bob Stillerman (bob@millbrookbaptistchurch.org) to arrange delivery.
Our hope is to display the chain in public on Friday, April 3. We will need volunteers (one per 15-20 feet of chain) to hold the chain and help us extend the chain to full length.
Please use this link to sign up to volunteer and to let us know how many chain links you’d like to create.
Help Spread the Word
Help Spread the Word.
Please invite anyone with an interest in supporting neighbors to participate. The more the merrier.
We have also created a link with assets about the project, as well as a link with assets to share on social media.
Feel free to email Bob Stillerman, Senior Minister of Millbrook Baptist Church with any questions. Kindly use "Paper Mile" in your subject line.