Shoes of Hope is Samaritan’s Feet overarching shoe distribution initiative, both in the United States and around the world. Our goal is to bring a life-changing message of hope, love, and compassion to everyone we serve. Every time we sit across from someone, we not only meet their physical needs with a pair of shoes and socks, but we spend quality time with them asking about their dreams and lives.
SHOES OF HOPE®
SHOES OF HOPE®
Samaritan’s Feet believes that a new pair of shoes gives H.O.P.E. to children, adults, and seniors around the world:
HEALTH
Shoes protect feet from contaminated soil and against diseases.
OPPORTUNITY
Shoes provide stability and the chance for a better, brighter future.
PEACE
EDUCATION
Reasons Why We Donate Shoes
1.5 BILLION PEOPLE
are infected with foot-borne diseases and could be prevented with proper footwear.
SHOES & SOCKS
are in the top five items that students are in need of in schools in the United States.
SLIPS & FALLS
are the leading cause of injury and death among the senior population.
Soil-Transmitted
Helminths
Soil-Transmitted Helminths are intestinal worms (Acaris, whipworm, and hookworm) which can be transmitted when people walk barefoot on contaminated soil. Symptoms of Soil-Transmitted Helminths include abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and anemia. It can also impact the physical and cognitive growth of children.
Poor Quality
of Life
When kids in school don’t have proper or well-fitting shoes, they can be looked down upon by their peers and be uncomfortable and unconfident in the classroom. Additionally, lack of proper footwear can have a negative impact on a senior’s health and well-being, the ability to live independently, community involvement, and economic stability.
Podoconiosis
(Elephantiasis)
Approximately 4-5 million people in 32 countries have Podoconiosis arising from long-term contact with irritant soil. Symptoms include itching of the skin, burning, and swelling and stiffness in the foot and lower leg. These symptoms make it hard for infected individuals to work and they can often be cast out of their community.
