Every Wednesday, the Nativity House homeless shelter in Tacoma hosts a free foot-health clinic to help address wounds and infections that are common among the unhoused population.
Katherine Arnold, a nurse who volunteered at Nativity House for two years before recently being hired full-time, said trench foot caused by moisture in socks and shoes can cause the flesh to decay. It is a common ailment among those living outside, who often wear the same socks for extended periods.
Arnold said the rates of trench foot and other foot injuries increase in the cold, rainy winter months…