Starting a New Job? This Evansville Program Could Help Pay for Work Boots

Landing a new job should be something to celebrate. But sometimes, getting hired comes with an expense you weren't quite prepared for.

Here in Southern Indiana, manufacturing and industrial jobs are a huge part of our local economy. Many of those jobs require employees to show up wearing specific personal protective equipment, including steel-toe or other safety work boots.

And a good pair of work boots isn't cheap.

If you're starting a new job and don't have the money to buy the required boots before that first paycheck arrives, Catholic Charities Diocese of Evansville may be able to help.

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Boots 4 Work Helps Remove a Barrier to Employment

Catholic Charities offers a program called Boots 4 Work, designed specifically to help people who need work boots to begin a new job.

Through the program, eligible clients can receive a voucher to purchase the work boots they need for employment.

There's one very important detail to know before applying: You must contact Catholic Charities before you start the new job.

Catholic Charities will work with the applicant and their prospective employer to verify eligibility for the program.

Who Is Eligible for Work Boot Assistance?

According to Indiana 211, the program is available to people whose new employment requires steel-toe boots and who live in one of 12 Southern Indiana counties:

• Daviess
• Dubois
• Gibson
• Greene
• Knox
• Martin
• Pike
• Posey
• Spencer
• Sullivan
• Vanderburgh
• Warrick

Indiana 211 says there is no fee for the service.

Again, applicants should call and schedule an appointment before starting the job that requires the boots.

How to Contact Catholic Charities in Evansville

Catholic Charities Diocese of Evansville is located at 2111 Stringtown Road in Evansville.

Those interested in the Boots 4 Work program can call 812-423-5456 to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Office hours listed by Indiana 211 are:

• Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday: 8:30 a.m. to noon

For someone trying to get back to work, the cost of required equipment shouldn't have to stand between getting hired and actually being able to start the job. Boots 4 Work is one local resource designed to help close that gap.