Annual New Boot Drive - DC COA Veterans and Military Outreach

DC COA Veterans and Military Outreach (VMO) Committee: 2026 Walter Elmore’s “Walk In Their Footsteps” Annual New Boot Drive

The USPHS Homeless Veterans Outreach Team invites DC COA members, USPHS officers, colleagues, and community supporters to participate in the 2026 Winterhaven Homeless Veterans New Boot Drive. This annual service initiative supports veterans experiencing homelessness throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area by helping provide essential footwear and other needed resources.

WHO: USPHS Officers and Supporters — organized in support of veterans in the community who are at risk of homelessness.

WHAT: The VMO Annual Winterhaven Boot Drive — a donation and volunteer event benefiting at-risk veterans. There are three ways to support this event:

1. Donate new boots and shoes

2. Give a tax-deductible monetary donation

3. Volunteer for the in-person distribution event

WHEN: Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 9am to 2pm.

WHERE: Medical Center, 50 Irving Street NW, Washington, DC 20422

DETAILS: Donate now through 10/31/2026—Purchase a pair of new boots or shoes (Women's sizes 6.5–12, Men's sizes 9.5–14) through the virtual Amazon Registry. Purchases will be shipped directly to Access Housing, Inc., who is coordinating donation collections. For health reasons, all donations must be new and never worn.

Alternatively, tax-deductible monetary donations can be made conveniently and securely through ZIFFY.

You may also purchase and drop off donations directly to: Access Housing, Inc. – Southeast Veterans Service Center

820 Chesapeake Street, SE (Ward 8)

Washington, DC 20032

C/O Walter Elmore, Community & Civic Engagement

Donated boots and shoes will be distributed at the 2026 Winterhaven Stand Down, hosted by the Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center on November 7, 2026, from 9am to 2pm.

To Volunteer: Sign up here to reserve your spot for the in-person distribution event, or scan the QR code below:

Point of Contact: Jalima.Caulker@samhsa.hhs.gov and Edward.Frimpong@hhs.gov