For many in our community, the journey to healing begins with something simple, but essential: a good pair of shoes. In the summer of 2024, the CHAS Health Foundation began a partnership with Sole Aim, a Spokane-based nonprofit founded in 2016 by Johnnie Beans Jr., a former homeless outreach specialist and current community engagement specialist at CHAS Health.
During his time in the field, Johnnie saw a recurring and heartbreaking gap in services: individuals walking miles in shoes that didn’t fit—or no shoes at all. From that need, Sole Aim was born.
“Having shoes that fit well and offer protection is not just a matter of comfort—it’s essential to physical health, mobility, and overall wellbeing.” says Johnnie.
Since its founding, Sole Aim has lived up to its tagline, “Helping those in need walk a mile in your shoes!” by collecting, cleaning, and redistributing more than 2,000 pairs of shoes throughout the community. Donations include specialized footwear designed to withstand harsh weather and environmental conditions, ensuring recipients are protected year-round from cold, rain, and rugged terrain. Each pair is a step toward comfort, dignity, and improved health for recipients.
But the real impact is best told through the voices of those who’ve seen it firsthand.
“This is why Sole Aim is so special,” said Michael Colgan, a front office worker at CHAS Health’s Denny Murphy Clinic in downtown Spokane. “They listen to the concerns of the patient... they go above and beyond to make sure the shoes meet the need of the patient. I cannot express how amazing this organization is and how dedicated they are to helping anyone they can.”
With Foundation support, Sole Aim now ensures that CHAS Health patients facing financial hardship can receive shoes tailored to their health and mobility needs. Since the partnership began, Sole Aim has helped more than 30 CHAS Health patients, providing everything from ordinary sneakers to specialized boots.
From patients with mobility challenges to those experiencing homelessness, Sole Aim’s responsiveness and compassion have made a profound difference.
“Sole Aim was able to provide one of my regular clients with a fantastic pair of shoes at a crucial moment. This has enabled him to stay on the move while his toe has begun to heal,” said Phillip Mahugh, a care coordinator for the CHAS Health Street Medicine Team.
Sole Aim’s work extends beyond clinics. Through partnerships with local businesses, donation barrels are placed throughout the community, collecting new and gently used shoes. The Foundation has also helped fund donation bins that will debut at CHAS Health clinics in 2026, with final placement locations currently being determined to maximize community access and impact. Sole Aim’s main donation bin is already located at the Denny Murphy Clinic, serving as a central hub for community contributions.
Every pair is cleaned and redistributed to those in need—from the single mother whose child made the basketball team but can’t afford sneakers, to the unhoused individual walking all day with holes in their soles.
After a young woman received winter boots just in time for the cold season, “She opened up, stating that this was huge for her because she never asks for help due to fear of being turned away,” said Candy Rosas, a CHAS Health community health worker. “I’m crying as I type this. This is truly a blessing for all.”
These stories are more than testimonials. They’re reminders that dignity, comfort, and mobility are not luxuries, but necessities. And thanks to Sole Aim and the CHAS Health Foundation, those necessities are being met with care, urgency, and heart.
“Thanks to the Foundation’s generous support of Sole Aim, many of our patient, especially those facing homelessness, financial hardship, or crisis, have received the dignity and comfort of proper footwear.” Said Johnnie. “This partnership has filled a critical gap in care, improving both physical and emotional health for individuals across our community. The ripple effect of this support is felt daily in our clinics, shelters, and outreach programs. Thank you, CHAS Health Foundation!”
Join Us in Supporting Organizations Like Sole Aim
Your donation to the CHAS Health Foundation helps fuel partnerships like this one, where local nonprofits and healthcare providers unite to meet real needs in real time. Your support helps ensure that every step a patient takes is one toward healing.
Let’s walk this path together.