SHU Supports Veterans at Stair Climb Event

Martire Family Arena fills with community spirit as hundreds gather to raise funds for Homes for the Brave

Key Highlights

• Sacred Heart University hosted the 2026 Step Up for the Brave at the Martire Family Arena to benefit Homes for the Brave, a nonprofit serving veterans in Connecticut
• The event featured stair climbing and walking challenges, drawing participants of all ages in a high-energy, community-driven atmosphere
• Funds raised support veterans’ access to safe, affordable housing, and mental health services

Sacred Heart University welcomed hundreds of participants and supporters to the Martire Family Arena on August 5 for the 2026 Step Up for the Brave, an annual fundraising event benefiting Homes for the Brave, a Bridgeport-based nonprofit providing safe, affordable housing, and mental health services to veterans in need.

The event drew participants of all ages and fitness levels, who chose between a stair climb challenge spanning 500 stairs and an indoor walking course totaling 1,000 steps per round. Upbeat music, spirited cheers from sideline supporters, and encouragement from volunteers stationed at each staircase landing created an atmosphere of energy and shared purpose throughout the morning.

Funds raised support Homes for the Brave’s core mission of connecting veterans with stable housing, behavioral health resources, and wraparound support services.

For first-time attendee Richard Murphy, a veteran himself, the event carried deep personal meaning. “I think this event is very important because it helps all veterans everywhere,” Murphy said. “The people here are very hardworking and deeply committed to the welfare of the veterans that they serve.”

Alexis Carroll, a licensed clinical social worker and clinical services supervisor at Homes for the Brave, said the gathering reflected something larger than fundraising. “This event demonstrates visually how supported we are in terms of community,” Carroll said. “To see everybody come together to raise awareness about Homes for the Brave—and to demonstrate that veterans deserve support and that safe, affordable housing, and mental health resources are always in reach—that means everything.”

Throughout the morning, that sense of community was visible around the arena.

The event also inspired those attending for the first time to show up in full force. Fairfield resident Eliza Leonardis, who cheered from the sidelines throughout the morning, described the experience as moving. “A lot of the people walking around have served in some capacity, and they're smiling,” she said. “It's hard, and they might be hurting, and they're here to just dedicate their time. I am really grateful to support.”

While some participants were experiencing Step Up for the Brave for the first time, others returned because of the connection they have built with the event and its mission. Milford resident Andrea Hreschak said the mission behind the event keeps drawing her back. “Our veterans go out and they give up their lives, sacrifice all they can, and we need to take care of them, help them, and be there for them,” Hreschak said. “I love this place. It's all about the veterans.”

The 2026 event was hosted by Alyssa Rae Taglia of Channel 8/WTNH, AJ of WPLR’s Chaz & AJ in the Morning, and Marc Robbins of Channel 3/WFSB. The Step Up for the Brave also offered a virtual walking challenge, held August 10–14, allowing participants unable to attend in person to contribute steps and fundraising support from anywhere.

Homes for the Brave serves veterans across Connecticut with a continuum of services aimed at ending veteran homelessness. For more information or to donate, visit homesforthebrave.org.