“The way that women experience homelessness is fundamentally different. Services that ignore gender-specific trauma often fail to address the core challenges these women face. Many have histories of violence which profoundly affect their sense of safety and trust. Successful intervention and services need to be tailored according to each woman’s life experience and unique needs.”

Hear the story behind the creation of The Winter Walk: how two Boston-based philanthropists have joined forces to end homelessness in America...and how you can help.

Ritchie Vernon's story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of community. His journey from the streets of Anderson, Indiana, to finding a new home in Boston is filled with lessons that inspire and uplift.

Winter Walk believes that ending homelessness starts with ending stigma. Our mission is to uplift the voices of those who have experienced homelessness, breaking down negative images and stereotypes through storytelling and education. Angel, whose story was featured at our 2025 Winter Walk in Boston, has generously offered to tell you their story here on our blog. 

Our Winter Walks are a ‘Call to Action’ that bring together housed and unhoused individuals to walk side-by-side, creating a united community committed to addressing homelessness. It's a day when everyone—regardless of where they sleep—comes together to raise awareness and demand change.

For 2025, we’ve organized our list of the Top 10 Reasons to Register for Winter Walk 2025!

Mickel, a patient at Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, kindly allowed us to share this poem he wrote. We are so grateful.

I don’t know when the issues of the homeless first became important to me. I don’t remember anything in particular that inspired it. But one day, I just noticed. Then I couldn’t not notice it.

Many of us take for granted having a warm and safe place to wake up in every day. But that is the experience of far too many individuals in Boston.