Saint John’s Hospice (SJH) is marking the successful completion of its inaugural “Boot Up Philly” initiative with a community giveaway event to benefit those in need in Philadelphia. SJH is a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS).

The “Boot Up Philly” initiative aimed to raise $35,000 dollars to help purchase 1,000 sets of boots, socks, and undergarments for men in need and experiencing homelessness prior to the onset of cold weather during the winter months. Since launching in September, SJH has surpassed its goal and raised approximately $88,000 to date.

The outside event will feature CSS staff distributing the footwear and essential clothing items to men in need. In addition, staff will also distribute men’s and women’s personal care items, winter coats, children’s hats and gloves, and diapers to any individual in need as well as those served by CSS’s Housing and Homeless Services division and Afghan evacuees and refugees served by CSS. Food provided by Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will also be given away.

Saturday, October 23, 2021
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Archdiocesan Pastoral Center (Parking Lot)
222 North 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

For nearly six decades, SJH has provided a continuum of care and crucial, life-sustaining services with dignity, respect and compassion to homeless men in Philadelphia. Services include residential programs and emergency shelter, food, case management, on-site medical and mental health care, daily showers, clothing, a mail room for over 1,500 men, as well as additional services specific to individual needs. SJH houses around 250 men transitioning from homelessness to independent living annually.

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Editor’s note: Attached is a picture for publication purposes with credit to Archdiocese of Philadelphia.