ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- It’s said you don’t know people until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.
However, that saying assumes the person has shoes in the first place.
For those who don’t, the Open Door Mission has a Thanksgiving offer: a free pair.
“The problem in our homeless community, some of their biggest problems, are just managing their footwear and some will say managing their health altogether," said Chris Scribani of Open Door Mission. "But whatever we can provide them in outerwear to be not just warm and dry, but dignified.”
It’s part of Soles4Souls, a program distributing more than 2,500 pairs of new shoes to homeless shelters in twenty-five cities across the country. Sneakers to boots, quite a range of sizes and experts on hand.
“Those of us involved really feel very strongly that for general good health, it’s very important to have good foot health," said Dr. Luke Loveys of Red Creek Orthopaedics. "So for the time of year, it’s a great opportunity to have people start off the season with good socks and shoes that will protect their feet.”
The Open Door Mission here has made it a Thanksgiving tradition to give away shoes to the guests in its shelter, but those in need say the impact of that giving can be felt far beyond this holiday.
“It’s a blessing," said shelter guest Cecil Dukes. "God works in mysterious ways, and this is one of his mysterious ways. Giving for us should be something like that, the same for everyone, but not just for holidays, every day.”
It may not solve the issue of homelessness, but it's a step in the right direction.