A Walk In Their Shoes is a fully immersive experience meant to stretch the heart, to widen your capacity for compassion for the homeless, and to fulfill Jesus' call to genuinely care for the poor. Spend 24 hours with a guide and see what homelessness really feels like. Donation based. Every single dollar donated goes to caring for the homeless in Fort Wayne. Call or text Kelly Berry at 765-202-2645 to set up your Walk In Their Shoes. Available any day your schedule allows from evening of one day to the evening of the next day.
Homelessness affects hundreds of thousands across the U.S. everyday—about 580,000 people as of 2020. Around 25–30% of the homeless live with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, and overall 45% have any form of mental condition like anxiety or depression. Substance misuse is also widespread: roughly 38% struggle with addiction to alcohol or drugs, and about two‑thirds have co-occurring mental-health and substance-use disorders. Among those enduring chronic homelessness, up to 31% report serious mental illness, while 24% report chronic substance abuse. Developmental conditions are also present—with autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia among the most common disabilities in understudied homeless populations.
Jesus was a homeless man.
The disciples were homeless men.
In Matthew 25 Jesus speaks of those sheep and goats who fed Him when He was hungry and those who didn't, those who gave Him drink when He was thirsty and those who didn't, those who clothed Him when He was naked, invited the stranger into their homes, and those who visited those in prison and in sickness and those who did not. In verse 40 Jesus says about those sheep the King seperates to His right hand, "⁴⁰Verily I say to you, Inasmuch as you have done to one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it to me." And in verse 45 Jesus says about those goats separated to the left, "⁴⁵Inasmuch as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me." The body of Christ is called to care for the poor, afflicted, and downtrodden.
However, love and compassion for the homeless does not come easy for some. Never having experienced homelessness can be a barrier to one's understanding and empathy. A walk in their shoes can help. It can be hard to understand another's struggles without having experienced them yourself. This is your chance to step out in faith and see first hand what it feels like to be homeless, have nowhere to lay your head like Jesus, to have no hope like so many of the homeless, and to simply try to survive one day at a time.
Join us today for A Walk In Their Shoes
For 24 hours, you will step into the reality that far too many people live every single day. With nothing but the clothes on your back and your ID, you will be guided through an immersive experience of homelessness in the city of Fort Wayne. You'll walk the streets, seek shelter, and encounter real individuals who have lived unhoused—from a few days to many years. You’ll hear their stories, share their space, and feel the vulnerability that comes with having no place to call home. This is not a simulation—it’s a deeply human experience, led with prayer, safety, and compassion, designed to break hearts open, awaken understanding, and ignite gospel-driven action.
All proceeds go toward supporting local efforts to serve those who are unhoused and to sustain the ministry outreach.
Every dollar donated goes to caring for the homeless. Whether it's new underwear, feminine hygiene products, clothing, transportation help, or food, every dollar donated will be used to meet their needs.
To set up your personalized Walk In Their Shoes call or text Kelly Berry at 765-202-2645.
Also check out other Nonprofit events in Fort Wayne, Health & Wellness events in Fort Wayne.
