‘You can make change:’ ‘In Their Shoes’ event draws attention to homelessness

By Bridget Higdon

ST. ALBANS CITY — “You can make a change, starting with your journey today,” Paul Dragon said, surrounded by small, colored flags staked into Taylor Park. “But that journey has to continue into the future.” 

About 40 people attended “In Their Shoes” Saturday, a walk from Taylor Park to a variety of community service providers in downtown St. Albans to understand a day-in-the-life of a person experiencing homelessness.

“It might be better to call this event a walk ‘in your shoes,’” Dragon, executive director of Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, said. “It’s a time for self-reflection and understanding, to see the people around us and to pay attention.” 

The tour took participants to Samaritan House, Martha’s Community Kitchen, Spectrum Youth & Family Services, Turning Point, Voices Against Violence and Franklin Grand Isle Community Action. At each stop, program staff came out to tell folks about the organization’s services and to answer questions. 

In 2023, 462 people experienced homelessness in Franklin and Grand Isle counties. Each flag in the park represented one person. Many of them utilized these local services to experience a warm meal, get basic necessities and find help in building a resume and applying for permanent housing.

The event was a fundraiser for Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, the agency that operates Samaritan House, Voices Against Violence and Franklin Grand Isle Community Action. As of Saturday, about $15,000 – the fundraising goal – had been raised. 

A portion of the proceeds will also go to Spectrum Youth & Family Services’ St. Albans Drop-in Center on Lake Street, which helps area youth ages 14-22 meet basic needs.

Before the tour kicked off, a few other representatives of community organizations – including Northwestern Counseling and Support Services, Franklin Grand Isle Restorative Justice Center and SaVida Health – spoke about their offerings and needs.  Read more…

Full story online: https://www.samessenger.com/news/you-can-make-a-change-in-their-shoes-event-draws-attention-to-homelessness/article_6a2d6700-16db-11ef-bbd8-3bcdc8f649b7.html