The Central Foot Clinic at Central Presbyterian Church tends to the feet and the medical needs of the homeless at the Central Night Shelter once per week from November through March. The clinic is a volunteer-based organization that serves the needs of its clients within a spiritual atmosphere. Photograph by Leita Cowart, that appeared with the Atlanta Journal - Constitution article 'Saving soles', January 8, 2000.

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Weekly Foot and Medical Care is Major Component of Men's Nite Shelter

"Every Wednesday nite, a group of CPC volunteers offers foot and medical care at the Men's Nite Shelter. Many of our nite shelter guests spend long hours each day outdoors on their feet, working or looking for work, in ill-fitting, poorly conditioned shoes, often in cold, rainy weather.

The medical clinic is staffed by volunteer physicians, physician's assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, and others who provide medical assistance with mild colds and minor injuries. The volunteers check blood pressure, perform modest examinations, and answer the questions and concerns of our shelter guests. We are able to see about twenty men each nite.

The foot clinic is staffed by volunteer lay-people, who offer a warm water soak for our guest's feet; a pedicure -- clipping nails, reducing callouses, scraping dry skin; a foot massage; minor medical care for cuts, funguses, and infections; and conversation. Bandaids, powder, lotions, and clean socks are offered as part of this ministry. The volunteers are able to see about 35 men at CPC and 15 men at the Shrine each nite.

Our shelter guests appreciate the medical and foot clinics for various reasons. Some come to the medical clinic primarily for cold medications, headache remidies, or bandaids. Some come to the foot clinic primarily for new socks or relief for tired, sore feet. Many seem drawn to the clinics week after week for the fleeting relationships with those of us who tend to their needs, and perhaps with the hope that we'll remember their names.

Certainly the experience of volunteering with these ministries is a significant one. As Ann Hunter, one of our long-term volunteers, said, "It is a gratifying experience for me to talk to a man about his day, to hear him speak of it as a good day full of hope and the belief that he will soon find work. As each man expresses his thanks for our work in the clinic, I have discovered that his gratitude is a gift to me. And who knows? Perhaps, in our brief and simple encounter, I have seen something of the face of God."