Where God Left His Shoes

Frank Diaz and his family spent several months living in a homeless shelter, struggling to make ends meet. This setting highlights their dire circumstances and the emotional toll that living without a stable home has taken on them.

On Christmas Eve, Frank receives hopeful news about a potential apartment becoming available. However, his hopes are dashed when a social worker informs him that he doesn't qualify due to his unemployment status.

In a moment of desperation, Frank recalls a story from his military days during the first Gulf War. His compelling recount impresses the social worker, who offers him a chance to secure a job by the end of the day.

Accompanied by his resentful stepson Justin, Frank steps into the cold streets of New York in search of employment. Their journey marks the start of a day filled with challenges and the hope of securing a home for Christmas.

Frank visits a construction contractor he previously worked for to find a legitimate job. Unfortunately, he is turned away, and the dream of steady employment continues to slip further from his grasp.

While searching for work, Frank and Justin notice an old man searching for Frank to deliver an important letter. This reveals a connection to Frank’s past and adds complexity to their job-seeking expedition.

Frank receives a brief glimmer of hope when offered a painting job at a school. However, his felony record prevents him from securing this opportunity, illustrating the barriers he faces in finding work.

Facing dire circumstances, Frank resorted to shoplifting clothes to provide for his family. This act of desperation backfires when he accidentally discards the cash he needed for the apartment.

With time running out, instead of finding a home, Frank takes his family out for dinner. He faces separate pressures from his wife, who wishes to leave without paying, but he insists on doing the right thing.

Outside the shelter, Frank encounters the man who stole his jacket. In a moment of emotional turmoil, he confronts and beats the man, seeking to reclaim his belongings and asserting his dignity.

Despite not being charged for the confrontation, Frank's actions lead to the family’s eviction from the shelter. This event represents a critical turning point and adds to their struggles against homelessness.

In desperation, Frank's wife considers calling her abusive ex for assistance. This moment highlights the strain on their family and the difficult choices they must confront in their fight for survival.

Justin chooses to stay with Frank rather than join his mother in calling for help. This pivotal decision underlines their strained family dynamics and reflects Justin’s loyalty to Frank amidst chaos.

After being turned away from another shelter that is full, the family decides to head to Brooklyn via subway. Their journey together reflects their resilience and desire to find refuge amidst their struggles.

As they play a game together on the subway, the family’s uncertain future looms large. The moment encapsulates their battle against poverty and the fading dream of a warm, festive home during the holidays.