by Lisa Gwock
This is the third year that I’ve participated in Central Outreach & Advocacy Center’s “In Their
Shoes” fundraising event. Each year I’ve challenged myself to walk the entire 10 miles in one
day to show my support and in solidarity with those experiencing homelessness that I serve each Monday when I volunteer at Central OAC. Yes, this morning I walked 10 miles but, in no
way, do I feel I am “walking in their shoes.”
For starters, I was walking in some nice, almost new, trail running shoes that are the right size wearing warm merino wool socks. Many of the guests I see are wearing poorly fitted worn out
shoes and often could use new socks. When I finished my walk, I came home and took a shower and put on clean clothes, not something easily done for those who are living on the streets (or as our intake paperwork states, “a place not meant for habitation.”
The past two years, I walked on beautiful spring days unlike today when it was freezing. Fortunately, I was able to put on layers appropriate for the cool weather. All I carried with me was a hydration backpack and my phone. In addition to walking miles each day, persons experiencing homelessness often do not have appropriate clothing for the weather and are
carrying a heavy shopping bag in one hand with everything they own.
When I begin my walk, like many of our guests, it was still dark outside, but I left from inside my
warm house after a good night’s sleep in a bed, not having slept outside in the cold with one
eye open to make sure no one stole my stuff while I was trying to get some rest. I’d also had
my morning coffee and a good breakfast. I’m grateful that thanks to donations, most days we
can offer our guests a sack lunch or, at least snack when they arrive for services. I knew I had
family and friends and a church community that I could call on if I needed help. When asked
what type of support system they have, many of the guests I work with answer, “no one.”
As I walked this morning, I had time to reflect on how much I was not walking in the steps of
those experience homelessness. I also realize how much I take for granted: a warm home,
warm clothes, good shoes, a shower, a support system, and so much more. I feel privileged to
be able to volunteer at Central Outreach & Advocacy and hope each day I’m there, I’m able to
help each guest I work with to get the services they need. Yes, I walked 10-miles but not really
“in their shoes” but I’m grateful that I can still walk 10 miles and thankful for the insights as I
walked.