This Yes is an Education and a Fresh Start.

No shirt. No shoes. No service.

You’ve seen these signs, haven’t you? 

They’re plastered on the front door of places like grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants. 

And, in a way, schools. 

Although you may not see a literal sticker on the door of your neighborhood elementary school, the message is still loud and clear. In fact, the message is actually far worse…

You might be surprised by the connection between shoes and schooling. I was, too. But since 2020, teachers all across the U.S. have been telling us that when kids don’t have good shoes for school, their attendance and academics suffer—along with their self-esteem.

Unfortunately, this isn’t a small problem. 

The heartbreaking truth is that millions of kids in the U.S.—those experiencing homelessness—have personal experience with the connection between shoes and education. 

And right now, as you read this, they’re staring down a new school year knowing they’ll have to make-do with the shoes they already own.

Shoes that look a lot like Seth’s…

As you might imagine, 9-year-old Seth was tripping over his own feet because of the condition of his shoes. But that didn’t keep him from coming to school. His classmate’s comments did. Their teasing. Their name-calling. Their bullying.

The Homeless and Foster Care Liaison for Seth’s school district told us that some days Seth would come to class wearing his brother’s shoes that were three sizes too big in hopes of avoiding their cruelty. Sometimes he’d even show up in his mom’s shoes.

Fortunately, he doesn’t have to do that anymore. Thanks to our generous Soles4Souls family, Seth received a brand new pair of shoes that fit him perfectly! And just like that, his No has become a Yes!

Of course, there are millions of “Seths” in the U.S., and every one of them deserves to start the new school year with the joy and confidence that comes with a new pair of shoes. 

That’s why we are asking for your financial support today. 

Will you help turn No into Yes for a student experiencing homelessness this back-to-school season? Your donation means a child will receive a new pair of athletic shoes… an education… and a brighter future.

Donate here.

P.S. Proper shoes can increase school attendance by 97%, giving kids the confidence they need for a brighter future. Together, we can put an end to No shirt. No shoes. No education. Donate $20 and send a student experiencing homelessness back to school with a brand-new pair of shoes.