YORK, Pa. — What would you look like come Friday if the outfit you chose on Monday, was the same one you had to wear all week long?
This is a reality for many people in the community.
Whether homeless, escaping domestic violence or simply out of work – a closet full of clothes is just one of the many things housed people can take for granted.
On Friday, LifePath Christian Ministries and Unstoppable You Ministries culminated their "Wear It for a Week" campaign with a luncheon and fashion show at WellSpan Park in York.
“It’s an idea that really came about that said this is a way to really help people sort of ‘walk in the shoes’ if you will and have them understand what people go through," said Patrick Ball, interim CEO of LifePath Christian Ministries.
The campaign also helped to build overall awareness around the issue of homelessness, and how it impacts local communities.
In the month of October, LifePath served nearly 10,000 meals to unhoused individuals. The organization is on pace to serve 11,000 in November.
“I rode the elevator up with a woman who said ‘It might smell a little bit but I’ve been wearing this all week,' and there was almost a sense of pride with that," Ball continued. "I think going through it and coming out of it with a higher level of empathy is really important.”
There was also a silent auction of outfits that were handpicked from LifePath thrift shops by guest shoppers including York City Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow, York City Council Member Edquina Washington, and Adam McCallister with McCallister, Myers & Associates, among others.
They were bid on to raise money that will help buy outfits for those in the LifePath shelter.
It’s all to send a message that goes beyond just one week.
“Although we’re ending this week, the conversation still needs to happen," said Demietra Middleton, one of the participants in the 'Wear It for a Week' campaign. "LifePath Ministries still needs your support and people need to have empathy for others because you never know what a person is going through.”
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