May 29, 2026
Richmond Public Schools Partnership with Soles4Souls Helps Students Facing Homelessness Step into School with Confidence
For students experiencing homelessness, barriers to school success are not always academic. Often, the obstacles that stand between these students and their ability to focus on school are as simple as a new pair of shoes.
Through an ongoing partnership with Soles4Souls, Richmond Public Schools (RPS) is helping remove that barrier for students identified as homeless under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Soles4Souls provides shoes and socks in a wide range of sizes, helping to meet the needs of students across grade levels. Most recently, RPS received a shipment of 250 pairs of shoes, and the partnership is expected to continue through the 2027-28 school year.
Creating a Sense of Normalcy
Beyond the shoes themselves, RPS is intentional about how students and families receive them. Instead of merely handing them out at random, staff members create a special, personal experience for each student. Students are invited to shop for a pair of their choosing that fits their size and style, mirroring a shoe store experience they may not otherwise receive.
As RPS McKinney-Vento liaison Janelle Taylor-Johnson shared, “We personalize the experience, give that freedom of choice, and the kids love being able to pick out the shoes that they like.” She explained that this approach helps students feel comfortable and respected, rather than feeling like they are being given whatever is available.
For students experiencing homelessness, this sense of normalcy can be life changing. While choosing a pair of shoes is an everyday experience for many housed students, for students navigating housing instability, a “shopping trip” like this can help restore confidence, dignity, and a sense of belonging.
Taylor-Johnson recalled one family with four children. The students had been experiencing bullying because of what they were wearing to school, which made it difficult for them to feel comfortable showing up at all. After picking out their very own new shoes and socks provided by Soles4Souls, their outlook completely shifted.
“It matters that our families, our students have the opportunity to feel as normal as possible. It just changed the entire mood, how they came in, and how they left. You could see the joy; you could see the pride that they felt, and the excitement to be able to walk back in the school building,” Taylor-Johnson explained.
Supporting the Whole Child
This partnership also highlights a broader understanding of what it means to support the whole child. Students experiencing homelessness may carry stress, anxiety, and responsibilities that are not immediately visible in the classroom. Meeting basic needs can help reduce those burdens so students are better able to focus on learning, friendships, and participation in school life.
“It matters how children are able to show up before you can even teach them anything,” Taylor-Johnson shared. “They’re here, but how do they feel being here?”
Seen, Supported, and Ready to Thrive
RPS staff also take a thoughtful approach to identifying needs. During conversations with families, staff ask questions designed to uncover a range of possible supports, including shoes, even when families do not initially ask for them. When families cannot come to the school or office to pick up items, staff coordinate drop-offs to make sure students receive what they need.
The Soles4Souls partnership is one example of how community partnerships can help school divisions respond to the real-life barriers that affect attendance, engagement, and well-being for our most vulnerable students. By providing shoes, socks, choice, and care, Richmond Public Schools is helping students feel seen, supported, and ready to thrive.