by Amy Kirkland
This year in 2022 I have a different perspective on the 10 miles that someone may walk in a day, especially our guests here at the OAC. than I did last year in 2021. As a team member on the OAC staff, I spend a great deal of my time at the front desk and front door constantly interacting with our guests face to face. I hand out walking directions to a variety of different places to several of our guests on a daily basis. These walking directions are to help them to get to where they need to be or obtain the correct information to get their identifying documents. Many of our guests walk to several places in order to shower, eat, sleep, and to meet other basic needs. It is always our hope that the work we do here helps these steps add up to a big step one day and our guests are able to find permanent stable housing and employment.
As I participated in this fundraiser last year in 2021 I was mindful as I took my daily walks over the course of a week to complete my 10 miles. I was aware that my walks were completely my choice and there was not a necessary destination other than to make it back home. I had comfort in the fact that if I began to get tired I could probably reroute and get home sooner. I was grateful for nice comfortable shoes and weather appropriate clothing as well as a nice bottle of water. I knew that all of my choices and privileges were not extended to most individuals who are experiencing homelessness.
As I reflect on our In Their Shoes fundraiser this year, I think about how my family has moved across town so that we may be able to have access to more places that are within walking distance. We longed to be able to grab a bite to eat, get coffee, or even enjoy the relaxation of being able to walk and get errands done. Has there ever been a time where you had to WALK over a mile to get food, or WALk over a mile to take shower, or maybe even WALK several miles for a place to sleep. Can you imagine what it would look like to be IN THEIR SHOES?
For our neighbors experiencing homelessness walking is a way of life and unfortunately many of the things they need are nowhere near the places they may call home. If you find yourself with the privilege of making the choice to walk somewhere please remember our neighbors that are experiencing homelessness. Place yourself In Their Shoes, and choose to add a little more meaning to your WALK!!