Saint John’s Hospice (SJH), part of Catholic Charities of Philadelphia, will hold its fifth annual “Boot Up Philly” event on October 25, 2025. The event will take place at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center Parking Lot and aims to provide winter clothing, shoes, and other essential services to people experiencing homelessness and poverty.

Barry Martin, Program Director at SJH, stated, “We are prepared to offer new boots, coats, underwear, food and other cold-weather items to more than 1,500 individuals and families who need them most. We are also ready to connect attendees to providers in the community for services such as legal assistance and medical support. Together, we can ensure that no one in our community has to endure the hardships of winter alone.”

According to data from the City of Philadelphia’s Point-in-Time Count last year, over 5,000 people in Philadelphia experienced homelessness. In response to this need, SJH distributed thousands of cold weather items at last year’s event to more than 1,000 individuals impacted by homelessness and poverty. For this year’s event, SJH hopes to reach even more people with the help of funds and donations from the community.

The organization has set a fundraising goal of $175,000 for this year’s initiative. Donations are still being accepted for those interested in supporting both the Boot Up Philly event and SJH’s ongoing efforts throughout the year.

Founded in 1963 by Monsignor Anthony J. O’Neill and The Little Brothers of The Good Shepherd as an outreach ministry in Center City Philadelphia, Saint John’s Hospice now operates residences for about 150 individuals transitioning from homelessness each year. The organization also provides daily meal services for over 200 people, mailroom services for more than 1,700 individuals annually, as well as case management and healthcare support.