“Each year, more than 1.2 million women and 2.5 million children experience homelessness nationwide. At least 1 in every 30 children will face homelessness, with the majority being under the age of six.” 

“Homelessness can come to anyone at any time. We should show empathy and compassion to our neighbors.”

“Homelessness is not just people sleeping in shelters or on the streets and it’s not just adults. There are nearly 2 million unhoused children in this country, and the impact it has on them now will change who they are for the rest of their lives.”

Chief of Staff at Winter Walk, Meag Shaffer, shares her experience with homelessness as a child and the impact its had on her life.

“Nothing separates us from unhoused people besides circumstance. Many Americans are just a paycheck or two away from homelessness. Our neighbors are in need, and the more people who lend their support, the closer we get to ending homelessness.” 

“The way that women experience homelessness is fundamentally different. Services that ignore gender-specific trauma often fail to address the core challenges these women face. Many have histories of violence which profoundly affect their sense of safety and trust. Successful intervention and services need to be tailored according to each woman’s life experience and unique needs.”

Hear the story behind the creation of The Winter Walk: how two Boston-based philanthropists have joined forces to end homelessness in America...and how you can help.

Ritchie Vernon's story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of community. His journey from the streets of Anderson, Indiana, to finding a new home in Boston is filled with lessons that inspire and uplift.

Winter Walk believes that ending homelessness starts with ending stigma. Our mission is to uplift the voices of those who have experienced homelessness, breaking down negative images and stereotypes through storytelling and education. Angel, whose story was featured at our 2025 Winter Walk in Boston, has generously offered to tell you their story here on our blog. 

Our Winter Walks are a ‘Call to Action’ that bring together housed and unhoused individuals to walk side-by-side, creating a united community committed to addressing homelessness. It's a day when everyone—regardless of where they sleep—comes together to raise awareness and demand change.

For 2025, we’ve organized our list of the Top 10 Reasons to Register for Winter Walk 2025!

Mickel, a patient at Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, kindly allowed us to share this poem he wrote. We are so grateful.

I don’t know when the issues of the homeless first became important to me. I don’t remember anything in particular that inspired it. But one day, I just noticed. Then I couldn’t not notice it.

Many of us take for granted having a warm and safe place to wake up in every day. But that is the experience of far too many individuals in Boston.