Dear Friends,

We are excited to share an important and meaningful next chapter for Shoes for the Homeless, Inc. As we look to the future, the program will be transitioning to Los Angeles House of Ruth, where this important work will continue and grow.

Since our founding in 2011, we have proudly provided quality footwear to homeless men, women, and children across the United States. What began as a vision has become a powerful community effort rooted in compassion, dignity, and service.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible volunteers, board members, employees, and generous donors who have supported this mission over the years. Together, we built a community committed to making a real difference. From volunteer events to sorting and distributing shoes, your dedication has touched countless lives.

We are also grateful to the many nonprofit partners who joined us in this mission, including the Union Rescue Mission, Upward Bound House, and the Los Angeles Mission, among others. Through these partnerships, we were able to reach individuals and families in need, providing not just shoes, but comfort, protection, and renewed dignity.

To our board members—Rosie LaBriola, Roberta Flusser, Michael Hudson, Lynn Mathenia, Albert Vera, Ira Diamond, Peter Huang, and past board members Nina Moore, Marc Bauer, Jon Diamond, and Christopher King—thank you for your leadership and commitment throughout the years.

A heartfelt thank you to the 450 students from 26 states who participated in our Volunteer Youth Ambassador program. Your passion, creativity, and service helped thousands receive a new pair of shoes and inspired others to give back. We also want to recognize our employee, April Hudson, whose leadership and dedication to the Youth Ambassador program has been instrumental to our impact.

We are especially grateful to West LA College, Dr. Jim Limbaugh, and his wife Trish for their early and continued belief in this mission. Working alongside them and the West Wardrobe team has been a truly valued partnership.

We are honored and excited to continue this work through Los Angeles House of Ruth, where Ira’s legacy will live on. This transition ensures that youth will remain actively involved in service, and that individuals in need will continue to receive shoes with dignity and care for years to come.

For me, creating Shoes for the Homeless, Inc. and helping so many people in need has been a dream come true.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Ira

Ira Diamond, DPM (retired)

Founder, Shoes for the Homeless, Inc.