Their Shoes #45

Moe received her shoes from the Bargain Annex. What is your biggest struggle with poverty on a daily basis? “Shelter and food. If I don’t find a place to live by August 31, me and my son will be homeless. The new landlord doesn’t want people living in the apartment anymore. I can’t find a place! It’s really…

Their Shoes #43

Nancy’s shoes were purchased by her parents. Her previous pair fell apart and she required a new pair for a non-paying career gig. “I plan on paying them back. For now, it’s added to the nearly $10,000. debt to my parents incurred over the years from buying necessities like food, clothing and shoes. Not to…

Their Shoes #40

Dustin received his shoes from a homeless man. What is your biggest struggle with poverty on a daily basis? “It’s people pissing off. They steal my stuff. Not respectful. There always seems to be a thief around me. I’m constantly having to replace the things I own. Or used to own, anyways.” “Food is a…

Their Shoes #37

Carl received his shoes from his cousin, Justin. “The shoes are a size 10. I’m a size 13. And they’re women’s shoes. But, I’m not complaining.” What is your biggest struggle with poverty on a daily basis? “Shelter. I’ve been living on the street for three days now. I was staying with my sister but…

Their Shoes #34

Mike received his shoes from a drop-in centre in Ottawa last month. What is your biggest struggle with poverty on a daily basis? “Shelter! I’m staying at the Salvation Army right now. It’s not that bad. I have a bed and a locker. They’ve lined me up with a worker already, too. I’ve nowhere else…

Their Shoes #29

Cynthia takes her meals at the shelter often. She’s a single Mom with a teen-age son. Her shoes were obtained  from the shelter. What is your biggest struggle with poverty on a daily basis?  “It’s dealing with Ontario Works (welfare). I misplaced a statement from them. I had a job and my earnings were deducted…

Their Shoes #23

  Keith has been one of the regular clientele of the shelter for years. Today was the first time I saw him with a sleeping bag and a mat, made from milk bags, tucked under his arm.  He told me there’s a chance he would be sleeping on the street tonight. He wanted to be prepared. Keith’s…

Their Shoes #20

Dave recently learned about the shelter through his cousin, Chris. For two years now, Chris has served food and washed dishes at the shelter. Dave enjoys working alongside his cousin to serve food to the homeless. “It feels good to be able to help others.” Dave’s running shoes were donated to him by the shelter.…

Their Shoes #19

James has been a client and volunteer at the shelter for as long as I’ve volunteered there. I don’t think anyone can wash dishes as quickly as James. He bought his running shoes at Champs Sports store. What is your biggest struggle with poverty on a daily basis? “Definitely, shelter. I don’t have a place…

Their Shoes #16

Moe received his shoes from the shelter. He’s been a regular at the shelter on and off for years. He likes to help out by changing the garbage bags, carrying in donations and cleaning up when necessary. What is your biggest struggle with poverty on a daily basis? “That’s easy. Money and quitting drinking.” “I…