Helping Homeless Men Put Their Best Foot Forward

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(ALLENTOWN, PA) – The Allentown Rescue Mission recognizes Dr. Neal Kramer, DPM for his dedication to helping the homeless men of the Allentown Rescue Mission. Once a month, at the in-house DeSales Free Medical Clinic, Dr. Kramer provides free foot and ankle care to men staying at the Allentown Rescue Mission who otherwise may not seek care.

Dr. Kramer, a native of the Lehigh Valley, has been in practice for more than 40 years. In 2018, after years of private podiatry practice, Dr. Kramer merged his business into the orthopedic services of OAA where he continues to practice to this day. He also began volunteering his time and talents at the Allentown Rescue Mission that same year.

Men often arrive at the Allentown Rescue Mission with foot trauma. Therefore, podiatry is the most requested medical specialty at the Mission. In addition to medical issues that could affect their feet, many men at the shelter suffer from the effects of wearing the wrong size shoes, worn-out shoes, wet shoes, no shoes, or frostbite.

Dr. Kramer treats a wide variety of the clients’ foot ailments, such as diabetic foot care, sprains, bone defects, corns, calluses, and nail problems. He also fits the men for shoes donated to the Allentown Rescue Mission.

Dr. Kramer stated that the clients are so appreciative of medical care. “I receive handshakes from everyone but I also get a lot of hugs, and I always take the hugs”, he happily disclosed.

After volunteering at the Allentown Rescue Mission for over four years, Dr. Kramer said, “I get the most positive sensation helping the men. Seeing their smiles is one of the most rewarding times of my life.”

The Allentown Rescue Mission, a 501c3, 123 bed non-profit homeless shelter has been providing shelter for homeless men since 1900. In addition to emergency shelter services (365 days a year), the Allentown Rescue Mission offers a residential life skills program, and transitional employment on the Clean Team Workforce that’s available for hire to the community. The Clean Team Workforce pays the men above PA state minimum wage– helping them save a nest egg to transition back into the community. In a typical year, the Allentown Rescue Mission provides shelter services for over 946 men per year, and serves over 42,000 meals a year to men in need.

To refer someone to the Allentown Rescue Mission for services or to learn ways you can help make a difference please visit www.allentownrescuemission.org

Information provided to TVL by:
Stefanie Appel
Community Relations
Allentown Rescue Mission
www.allentownrescuemission.org