“Walk a Mile in their Shoes” collecting supplies for Homeless Awareness Week

MARQUETTE — The saying “walk a mile in their shoes” is commonly used to give perspective. Local organizations are asking community members to do just that.

Local organizations are teaming up for a supply drive for the area homeless. In addition, they are asking you to walk a mile in the shoes of the homeless this Saturday, in observance of Homeless Awareness Week.

While COVID–19 has affected everyone globally, the homeless population has been hit particularly hard.

“This year, the theme is ‘Humanizing the Homeless,’ and we really wanted to focus on that,” said Kim Frost, Case Manager for Lutheran Social Services. “The individual. The individuals experiencing homelessness. Recognizing that they have stories and passions and dreams and histories just like we all do. COVID has worsened the situation for them, and so we want to increase our support around them.”

The “Walk a Mile in their Shoes” walk begins this Saturday at 9 am at the YMCA parking lot in Marquette. Refreshments will be provided.

Organizations are asking people to drop off hats, coats, mittens, hand warmers, and other winter wear items. They’re also asking for granola bars, Vitamin Water and Gatorade.

Donated items can be dropped off at First Presbyterian Church, Goodwill, Salvation Army, the Peter White Public Library, Lutheran Social Services, and St. Vincent de Paul.