Getting Back on Our Feet Event with HPP

March 7, 2019

Most of us don’t spend a lot of time thinking about foot care until we encounter a problem. Shoes starting to wear a blister? Soles worn out? Maybe it’s just time to break in a new pair. But for many of our guests, their options are limited from the start. People who are experiencing homelessness are often forced to spend a lot of time on their feet, often in ill-fitting or worn out shoes. They may have to walk for miles each day to get to their appointments, and their feet bear the brunt of the damage. For someone who is struggling just to get by, foot care is not usually high on the list of priorities.

On February 19th, a cold, dreary day by all accounts in the city of Philadelphia, our guests were presented with a special treat within the walls of Broad Street Ministry. Health Partners Plans Foundation generously brought in 300 pairs of brand new shoes and sturdy boots to give out, along with socks, during the first ever “Getting Back on Our Feet” event!

Guests were invited to the Sunday School Room to pick out a pair of new shoes in their size and to fit their specific needs. What’s more, guests were even able to meet with volunteer podiatrists from Rothman Orthopaedic Institute to address any concerns they may have about the health of their feet.

The event was a huge success thanks to the many volunteers from the HPP Foundation who greeted our guests warmly and made sure they got a pair of much needed shoes and boots, especially ahead of the next day’s snow storm. Thank you so much to HPP Foundation for making such a wonderful day possible!