"Women who are homeless and have mental issues are more invisible in our society than men, " said Friar Tom Purcell, Executive Director of the St. Clare Inn. "Men will sleep on grates but women tend to find places like abandoned buildings where they can be protected, so we don't see them very often. That's why Linda stood out living at the park at the corner of Lawrence and Leslie Sts., she thought that was her garden."

Purcell said that the goal of Linda's Walk is to raise public awareness around the fact that a lot of our brothers and sisters are suffering from mental health issues.

"We need to find ways of supporting not only research but the care of these people — and that's what Linda's Walk is about," he said. "But most importantly they have to know that they have value and worth in their lives by the way that we work with them and love them. And, I would say as a friar, as Jesus loves us."

Purcell said that 125 people have registered so far and he is hoping for more than 200 participants.

The walk begins and ends at St. Bonaventure Church at 1300 Leslie Street. Registration is $25 for adults and includes a complementary barbecue meal to follow.

For more information, visit www.stclareinn.org.