A New Pair of Shoes

At the SJCS Emergency Shelter, we aim to provide the men, women, children, and other community members in need with experiences they wouldn't otherwise have. With the help of generous community partners, we run a boutique once a week for anyone in need of new or gently used clothes and shoes.

A few weeks ago Judy* entered the boutique with boots on her feet that were three sizes too small. She had an obvious limp due to how painful her feet were. Jeannine, who runs the boutique, asked what she could help her find. Judy shared that she was in need of a comfortable pair of shoes.

As Judy removed her boots, Jeannine saw that her feet were red, raw and covered in painful blisters from walking and enduring the elements every day. Judy, who is experiencing homelessness, had not had a new pair of shoes in years and the boots she wore made it hard and uncomfortable to walk, but they were all she had.

Jeannine helped her figure out what shoe size she needed and offered her several options. Judy walked out of the boutique that day with a pair of sneakers that fit perfectly and a comfortable pair of sandals.

Well-fitting shoes seem like such a small convenience, but they can really be life- changing to someone who is struggling. Small everyday things most of us would take for granted can offer comfort to people who are experiencing homelessness and suffering through a dark time.

Thank you for your generosity and for helping us to provide dignity and hope to vulnerable members of our community.

*Names are sometimes changed to protect the privacy of those who use our services.