About Us
Finding Hope in Every Turn
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes exists to stopgap an often overlooked need in our busy, mobile world: Transportation. No one should feel like they are unable to provide for their family for lack of reliable transportation but that is a reality for many, especially in rural areas where public transportation options are limited. They may want to work, but cannot afford a vehicle to get there - or gas, repairs, maintenance, and all of the other realities that come with vehicle ownership.
Our Story
Every person has a story, and every story matters. “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;” Revelation 12: 11. Sometimes the economy of this world leaves people disheartened, feeling stuck in a spot that is very hard to come back from. We understand, because we've been there. If that's you, if you feel like no matter what you do you just can't get back to an even keel - let alone ahead - in life, there's no shame in it. This is our story. The heart behind Walk a Mile in Their Shoes started beating a decade ago when God clearly told Dave, "I want you to start a charitable foundation, and name it 'A Mile in Their Shoes'." Okay, God, but what do we do with that?
At first we did more or less nothing other than hold on to the name as a 'someday' part of God's plan. Back then we never would have guessed He meant the name literally. In 2019 a car accident set our family back on its heels. Injuries, some of which are still keenly felt today, resulted in an inability to work outside the home for either of us. At first this was fine, as Dave already worked from home the majority of the time, and Elise’s side-hustles were 100% work from home. That arrangement lasted until Dave’s employer demanded he return to the office full-time. Unable to return to the office on the schedule they demanded, Dave was forced to resign.
This kicked off a two-plus year journey, scratching and scraping by. We tried numerous business startup plans with minimal success, suffered through a predatory estate process that drained our reserves, and fell victim to a scam that set us back even further. We sold everything we could, including our more reliable vehicle leaving us at the mercy of an often-broken SUV. While there are many wonderful assistance programs, both public and private, many require travel for in person appointments further straining our resources. No matter how hard we worked, none of it was enough to keep our heads above water. Through it all, one truth remains undeniable: We are not in this alone. God led us through all He did so that we could see first-hand a very real need that daily impacts countless families in the Idaho Panhandle. We have literally Walked A Mile in Their Shoes.
So if you feel defeated because you can't seem to catch a break, there's no shame in it. The economy of this world is often unforgiving, but God’s economy is radically different. Through our experience, God showed us that there's no shame in needing help. After all, each and every one of us needs His help to deal with our sin problem, and He provides the solution free of charge. If you know Jesus personally, that is wonderful. If you do not, we pray you find the joy and peace He offers. But no matter who you are, or what your beliefs, Walk a Mile in Their Shoes would be honored by your partnership in making the darkness a little lighter. If you are where we were, and have a transportation need, please reach out to us. If you have a different need, we are blessed in this area by many big-hearted charitable groups; we would be happy to help you network with them. Most of all, if you want to make a difference in a family's life please consider donating to help your community overcome the struggles that accompany inadequate or unaffordable transportation.
