Samaritan's Feet International - One City Detroit

Samaritan’s Feet One City Detroit Initiative

Samaritan’s Feet is thrilled to announce our One City Detroit Initiative, a heartfelt effort to distribute 1,500 pairs of shoes to deserving children, adults, and seniors in Detroit. For over 22 years, Samaritan’s Feet has been inspiring hope and transforming lives through the simple, yet profound, gift of shoes. Guided by our founder Manny Ohonme’ s vision, we’ve provided over 11.4 million pairs of shoes to individuals in 113 countries and 625+ cities across the United States. Now, we’re bringing this mission to Detroit to uplift the community and foster unity.

Our Mission

Founded by Manny Ohonme, Samaritan’s Feet began with a dream to bring hope to impoverished and underserved communities worldwide. What started with a single pair of shoes given to Manny at age nine has grown into a global movement. In 2024, we served over 1.1 million people, and the goal remains in 2025 to serve 1.2 million. Detroit is a key part of this goal. Through the One City Detroit Initiative, we’re not just providing shoes, we’re building a foundation for hope, health, and opportunity.

Why Shoes?

A new pair of shoes is more than just footwear—it’s a gateway to a better life. Shoes can:

Inspire Hope: Provide a tangible symbol of care and dignity.

Support Education: Help children focus in school by alleviating family concerns.

Protect Health: Reduce the risk of foot-borne diseases.

Foster Opportunity: Empower individuals to pursue education and economic advancement.

One City Detroit Initiative

The One City Detroit Initiative is designed to bring together neighbors, religious leaders, community influencers, and public service personnel to serve 1,500 children, adults, and seniors in Detroit. This initiative goes beyond shoe distribution—it’s about inspiring empathy, unity, and dignity. By partnering with local organizations and the Rocket Company, we aim to:

Distribute 1,500 pairs of shoes to those in need.

Engage the community in acts of service, including foot-washing, to foster connection.

Create a lasting legacy of hope and compassion in Detroit.

 Join Us

Samaritan’s Feet invites the Detroit community and our partners at the Rocket Company to join us in this transformative initiative. Together, we can provide a foundation for a healthier, more hopeful future for Detroit’s children, adults, and seniors. Let’s unite to make a difference—one pair of shoes at a time.

For more information on how to get involved, contact Deborah Cox-Roush, dcoxroush@samaritansfeet.org. 

www.samaritansfeet.org/onecity/detroit