Swagger back

We recently received generous donations of shoes for members of our Workforce team. Not just one type—all types. Dress shoes, running shoes, Chucks, shell toes. All sizes. All ready to walk into a new day.

But one pair stood out.

One of our supporters—a super sneakerhead—dropped off some Nikes that would’ve easily resold for $100. Instead, he chose to give them away. I told him the second life of the shoes might be rough, and he said that’s exactly what he wanted. A quiet act of generosity.

We handed them out like we always do, thinking mainly of comfort. Or replacing some torn-up soles with something that wouldn’t fall apart right away.

But I was surprised by what happened next.

The guy who scored the Nikes—after saying they felt like pillows on his feet—didn’t want to work in them. Instead, he tucked them in his bag and grabbed a second, not-as-fashionable pair for the day’s shift. As we drove past a clothing store, he said, “I need to go in there and get some shorts and a fresh white tee to go with the Nikes. Gonna wear these out next time I’m downtown.”

We figured the shoes would bring relief. We didn’t expect them to bring swag. Didn’t think they’d end up as part of a fit. But that’s exactly what they did.

Even after working alongside folks living on the street for nearly two years, I’m still occasionally reminded that their lives aren’t so different from our own. Sure, survival comes first—but sometimes, they want to clean up and step out too. Check their cool. Make sure they still got it.

I 100% understand that.

So to this particular donor—and to everyone who gives what they can, even when it’d be easier to sell or save—thank you.

You’re bringing swagger back. - Preston