Inspired by Saint John Neumann’s compassion for the poor, this initiative is based on the real life example of Saint John Neumann offering those in need the shoes from his feet.
Saint John’s Hospice (SJH), a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), has launched a new effort to provide footwear and essential clothing items to individuals experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia.
The “Boot Up Philly” initiative seeks to raise $35,000 dollars to help SJH purchase 1,000 sets of footwear, socks, and undergarments for those in need prior to the onset of cold weather during the winter months. It runs now through October 23rd.
For over five decades, SJH has provided crucial, life-sustaining services with dignity, respect, and compassion to homeless men in Philadelphia.
Each weekday, SJH provides more than 300 hot meals to its residential and day services guests, as well as case management, on-site nursing, daily showers, and a mail room for over 1,500 men. Annually, SJH houses around 250 men transitioning from homelessness to independent living.
A donation of $35 can provide a new pair of boots, socks, and undergarments to a homeless man in need.
Those interested in supporting SJH and “Boot Up Philly” can make a financial contribution through a dedicated link by visiting the SJH website.
Cash or checks can also be mailed directly to St. John’s Hospice, P.O. Box 781048, Philadelphia, PA 19178-1048. Checks should be made payable to “St. John’s Hospice” and note “Boot Up Philly” in the memo field. SJH’s advisory board has pledged to match the fundraising goal if the target is met.
Remaining funds raised will help SJH’s annual appeal and benefit its Residential Program, Coffee House, and Day Services Programs, as well as its Good Shepherd Program, a residential program offering housing and social services to homeless men who are medically fragile.
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Editor’s Note: To learn more about Saint John’s Hospice, please visit https://saintjohnshospice.org/.
To learn more about Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit https://cssphiladelphia.org/.
