'In Their Shoes' set for Saturday; Fundraiser to show daily challenges of homelessness

Read the full article at samessenger.com. Here is an excerpt:

Iona Grant’s life changed dramatically four months ago when a room opened up for her and her husband at Tim’s House, Franklin County’s only homeless shelter.

“I'll praise this place to the highest of powers because it's made such a difference,” she said. “The change I’ve experienced within myself…I’ve got peace of mind and peace of soul.”

For about a year, the Grants had been living in their car with their dog, fighting off the cold and constantly moving from place to place. When Iona was told about the shelter’s waitlist while eating a free meal at Martha’s Community Kitchen, she jumped at the chance to put her name down.

“The little things become huge things when you have nothing and no place to go,” she said. “This place saved my life.”

Tim’s House/Samaritan House is one of three programs in St. Albans operated by the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity that is making a difference in peoples’ lives. Northwest Family Foods and Voices Against Violence help those struggling with food insecurity and domestic violence, respectively.

People are encouraged to learn about these programs and to walk in the shoes of Iona and others experiencing homelessness this Saturday, May 18 during “In Their Shoes,” a fundraiser for the three CVOEO organizations.

The event kicks off at 1 p.m. in Taylor Park rain or shine. After some brief remarks, attendees will take a guided walking tour of the city’s human service providers, like Tim’s House, Martha’s Kitchen, Turning Point and Spectrum Youth & Family Services.