What St. Francis House 'Walk a Mile in My Shoes' Event is About

The St. Francis House has only ever had one mission, "Moving people from homelessness to hope." However, within that statement of purpose is a long list of elements that must come together in order to reach that goal.

First of all, a safe, warm, place to stay. Whether it is a family or individual, a comfortable place to rest, maybe for the first time in weeks, or months, is of the utmost importance. Guests must commit to sobriety, find full-time employment, and deposit any income they receive into a savings account.

They must also pay outstanding debts, whether that might be child support, past-due utilities, rent, fines, or restitution. St. Francis House residents receive assistance finding and keeping work with benefits, reliable transportation, getting their children enrolled in school or child care, managing their money, and other life and health skills.

Deep convictions in the St. Francis House philosophy include:

Everyone deserves another chance
Give people a hand up, not a handout
No one should go hungry

To that end, every year for the last 3 years they have presented the "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" event during National Hunger and Homelessness Week (this year November 15-22). The 4th annual walk is coming up on Saturday, November 21.

Registration and check-in begin at 10:30, at 11 AM there will be a short program at the Homeless Memorial at 6th Street and the Big Sioux River, then the 1-mile walk begins.

Many guests arrive at St. Francis House carrying only a backpack with everything they own in it and wearing old, worn-out shoes. Participants are asked to provide a new or gently used backpack filled with 15 pounds of these essential items:

Shampoo
Conditioner
Razors
Body wash
Hats
Gloves
Socks
Deodorant
Toilet paper
Cleaning supplies
Thermal underwear
Bar soap container
Toothbrush covers
Flip flops
Creamer
Sweatshirts
Combs/brushes
Handwarmers
Canned food

If you can't participate in the walk but would like to donate a filled backpack, make a monetary donation, or simply need more information, see St. Francis House online, on Facebook, or call 605-334-3879.