On Saturday, February 14 after rescheduling due to extreme cold, the Rescue Mission of Utica successfully hosted its 15th Annual Walk A Mile in My Shoes event, bringing together community members, local officials, volunteers, and supporters to raise awareness about street homelessness and the harsh realities of winter in Oneida County.
Participants gathered at Utica City Hall before setting off on a symbolic one-mile walk to the Rescue Mission’s main building at 212 Rutger Street and back. In the heart of winter, with temperatures that have dipped below zero this season, walkers were reminded that for many in our community, braving the cold is not an event. It is daily life.
A Critical Winter Lifeline
Wendy Goetz, Executive Director of the Rescue Mission of Utica, emphasized the importance of the Mission’s services, particularly during extreme cold.
When temperatures plummet, the Rescue Mission remains one of the few places in Utica where individuals experiencing homelessness can find warmth, safety, and support. The Mission operates a drop-in center at 1013 West Street that offers a warm place to stay, hot meals, and access to wellness programs and essential services.
Each year, the Rescue Mission serves approximately 2,000 unique individuals. On any given night, between 250 and 300 people sleep on Rescue Mission properties.
The organization provides comprehensive support, including:
- Shelter for those experiencing street and shelter homelessness
- Services for individuals living with mental illness
- Recovery support for those with substance use diagnoses
- A representative payee program for individuals who need help managing finances
- A food pantry and daily community meals for those experiencing food insecurity
- A free community clothing closet for individuals and families in need
In 2024 alone:
- 447 individuals accessed the Rescue Mission’s drop-in shelter
- 182,263 meals were served through the Mission’s kitchen
- 207,105 meals were distributed through the food pantry
Behind every number is a name, a face, and a story.
A Story of Hope and Recovery
One of those stories belongs to Deanna Cushman, who participated in this year’s walk.
Nine months ago, Deanna found herself homeless for the first time after making the difficult decision to enter rehab. When she completed treatment, she walked out with nowhere to go.
“It was a scary place to be,” she shared.
After time in two different shelters, Deanna was placed at the Rescue Mission’s drop-in center. Having lost her income and stability, she described feeling hopeless and struggling with suicidal thoughts. But the staff at the Rescue Mission did not give up on her.
“They never gave up on me. They never threw me away like everyone else has. They never walked away from me or abandoned me,” she said. “I tried to give up a time or two, and they just encouraged me to keep fighting. All my needs are met.”
She recalled her first night at the Mission, which happened to be a Monday when volunteers brought a catered dinner. Broken and overwhelmed, she hugged them.
“Then it was Thanksgiving, my first holiday homeless, with no family in town. I cried at that dinner. I just couldn’t get over the fact that so many people were going without their families to be with us.”
Today, Deanna is nine months sober.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who works at the Rescue Mission and for believing in us, even when we can’t believe in ourselves. I also want to thank everyone who took the time today to walk for this cause. Homeless people matter too.”
Walking Together
For 15 years, Walk A Mile in My Shoes has invited our community to step outside comfort and into compassion, if only for a mile. This year’s walk once again demonstrated the power of community solidarity during one of the coldest times of year.
As winter continues, the Rescue Mission of Utica remains committed to providing warmth, meals, shelter, recovery support, and dignity to our neighbors in need.
Thank you to everyone who walked, supported, volunteered, and stood with us. Your presence sends a powerful message: no one should face winter alone.