Walk A Mile in My Shoes Shows Life from a Different Perspective
It isn’t just about the race to the finish, it’s about the journey along the way.
Participants on their 1-mile journey.
Photo Provided | Kokomo Rescue Mission
The community is invited to Walk A Mile in My Shoes at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 to benefit homeless women and women with children at The Rescue Mission’s Watered Garden and Open Arms shelters.
The one-mile walk from The Kokomo Rescue Mission to Watered Garden at 319 W. Taylor St. and Open Arms at 929 N. Main St., encourages participants to experience a taste of homelessness, especially during the colder winter months.
Once walkers reach each individual shelter, there will be an opportunity to tour the space and learn more about the programs before continuing the walk back to The Rescue Mission, completing the mile.
Participants gather at Watered Garden, at 319 W. Taylor St.
Photo Provided | Kokomo Rescue Mission
“We want people to dive into the fact that it may be cold out. We don’t know if it will be rainy or snowy…but we want to think about homeless people on the streets in all types of weather and what they must endure,” said Anna Brown, director of women & children’s ministries.
As the primary fundraiser for the women’s shelters, this year’s goal is $150,000. The funds raised from the walk will provide a nightly average of 35 women and children at Open Arms and an average of 16 women at Watered Garden, giving them a safe space to start over.
“If a woman comes in, there are times that they just have the clothes that are on their back. There are also times when they come with just a garbage bag full of belongings,” said Brown.
According to Brown, once someone arrives at the shelter, they are shown to their room to get settled. They are then connected with a case manager to set realistic goals together.
“We want them to come up with some goals that they want to achieve. We break down those goals, and what is achievable and then we make a plan on how to get there. We want them to learn along the journey. It’s just a matter of meeting them where they are.”
“It’s one of those things, we never know when we’re going to need help. Sometimes we get cozy in our little bubble but we’re still doing life together. We need to realize we will have good times in life but sometimes we need to ask for help.”
Walkers gather at the finish line.
Photo Provided | Kokomo Rescue Mission
Once participants reach the finish line at The Kokomo Rescue Mission, they are invited to Grace United Methodist Church for a community breakfast to share stories and thoughts from walking a mile in someone else’s shoes.
Those interested in signing up for the fundraiser are able to do so with or without a team, up until the morning of the race.
For more information and volunteer opportunities, click here.