Homeless man gets a makeover---yeah, bring a hankie.

[trumad]

#t=143

[leftstreet]

1. FFS. I thought this meant they'd build him a home

[trumad]

2. That would not be a makeover would it.

[leftstreet]

4. Habitat For Humanity, Homes For The Homeless, etc

I thought that's what it would be

[trumad]

5. That's not a makeover.

[leftstreet]

7. Where will he keep all his new styling products?

[dionysus]

12. the video said he was scheduled to get housing, if you watched it.

[leftstreet]

18. That's great n/t

[immoderate]

3. That's a lot to go through just to get into AA...

Dontcha think?

--imm

[frazzled]

6. He looks like a cross between

Bill Pullman and William H. Macy. Give this guy a movie role!

[tenderfoot]

8. Ministries! Make Overs! This is bullshit.

Sorry, check out the ministry behind this, it's got KONY 2012 written all over.

As if giving a make over is going to end homelessness.

My apologies for my skepticism.

[longship]

9. Don't you look great? Now get back to your cardboard box. nt

[WilliamPitt]

10. Great responses in this thread, eh, tru?

[dionysus]

13. there is a contingent that will shit in whatever punch bowl they can find, eh Will?

[Victor_c3]

15. definitely n/t

[gtar100]

17. No kidding! Guess it didn't pass "their" correct procedure for helping someone change for the better

You know, whatever it takes as long as no one gets hurt in the process. Sometimes a change in appearance is what's needed to inspire and motivate someone to make the deeper, harder changes they need. I know it works for me.

The epilogue confirms this was more than a simple make over for the guy. I wish him well.

[leftstreet]

20. There was nothing wrong with his appearance

But there is something very wrong with a society that allows even one person to be homeless

[tenderfoot]

46. Why don't you research the people behind the video before condemning the skeptical.

[Blue_Tires]

11. off topic, but I *desperately* want that blonde stylist

and it is heartwarming to see the transformation...as shallow as it sounds, sometimes life change really does occur from the outside in

[Uncle Joe]

35. She's beautiful and extremely fast.

[SoCalDem]

54. When you lose the capability to stay clean, it's the start of the downfall

Our upper class friends found this out when they ended up in a hurricane in the Yucatan a few years ago.. They ended up evacuated from their condo in a school that also flooded.. They were FOUR DAYS with minimal (questionable) water to drink, and hardly any food.. No electricity or bathroom facilities that functioned.

They were afraid of getting sick, so they ventured out on their own the 2nd day..Ken ended up losing one of his shoes.. They were unwashed, hot, slightly ill and their money in their wallets did them no good, because there was nothing to buy..and nowhere truly safe & comfortable to go....no one to call for help

On the 5th day after the storm, they were "rescued" and once back in civilization, they were transformed.. From that experience, they learned just how fragile humans can be, and how fast it can all go to hell..

Homeless people have no way to stay clean & presentable, nowhere to truly get some rest (in safety), and of course they are out in the elements and always vulnerable to harm.

Cleaning up is a start, but there is always so much more to it.. Every homeless person has their own "story" and of course not all are able to "come back"..many do not want to connect with family who might actually want to help..and many have underlying mental health issues that are long-untreated (and might not be solvable)


It's a scourge our country seems too willing to accept

[riderinthestorm]

14. I love that these folks actually took the time to LOOK at him, hug him, touch him.

So many homeless people are invisible.

Sometimes small gestures like this CAN be transformative. I wonder when he was last "fussed over" in a kind, gentle, loving way....

They treated him and presented him in a dignified manner, recognizing his humanity.

Bravo. thanks for posting trumad....

Not all of us can build a house or donate money. These people are doing what they can do to help homeless vets. I welcome their efforts.

[senseandsensibility]

63. Thank you for putting into words what I was thinking.

I also noticed that he looked happy when he saw himself in the mirror. That's when my eyes teared up.

[gollygee]

16. I can see how

he could have developed a self-image that might have been self-defeating, and then maybe when he saw himself looking like a businessman he could have realized that there was potential he'd given up on.

[SheilaT]

19. I'm slightly horrified that he's having all that work done

on his hair, including coloring it, without wearing one of those plastic things to keep the hair off his clothes.

My other question is, how is he expected to maintain the cut, the coloring, the shorter beard? Are they giving him all the products he'll need for the next few months? Glad he's getting housing, but this is barely a start.

[Glassunion]

52. The cut is simple to maintain...

Twice per week licensed professionals volunteer their time to provide haircuts
Private showers may be taken at no cost
Personal care bags are distributed each week with items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant and lotion

[Pretzel_Warrior]

21. he looked like a CT guy there for a minute

when he was wearing his tin foil hat.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

22. Nothing says "Jesus" like a three piece suit.

[Glassunion]

51. Actually, it does...

To look at the man and hand out money is all fine and good. But to see the man, welcome the man, to give him his due dignity, to not raise him up, but to show him that he was always there, I think is a great way to say it. "for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me."

Whether you hate religion or not, this man in the video is but 1 of the 400 to 500 who pass through their doors every day. That is no small feat, and surely not worth shitting on.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

58. I see a video like this as an attempt to fish for donations from people in suits.

[Glassunion]

59. That would make sense as well.

Usually the folks in suits are the ones with the money to donate.

Hell, it may even inspire those in jeans and a t-shirt to donate their time.

Better yet, maybe right here on DU, some may have dug a few bucks out of their pocket to help those who need it.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

61. The folks in suits I'm thinking of don't consider you to be human unless you are in a suit.

[Hekate]

64. +1 Glassunion

[Pretzel_Warrior]

23. What the mind of a man can conceive and BELIEVE...he can achieve. Visualization

is often THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP in someone taking positive action. If we play constant negative self images in our minds, we stay depressed, discouraged, and defeated. Although it is clear this man needs much more help than just a makeover, it was quite noticeable how he was caught in the act of reappraising himself once they let him see his new image in the mirror.

I like it, and I hope these kinds of stories can be repeated and then the help will be there through ACA mental health services, AA, and other help for people who've fallen down really far and need help picking themselves up.

[Uncle Joe]

36. Precisely, Pretzel_Warrior, the expression on his face afterwards spoke volumes.

It made an emotional impact and I agree he will need much more help aside from this.

[Glassunion]

24. To the haters in this thread.

We think that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for is the greatest poverty - Mother Teresa

I was homeless many a moon ago, and this hit me right in the heart. Everyone should be starving once in their lifetime. Not hungry, not famished, but honestly starving. Starvation is the greatest of motivators. It is also the greatest at humbling, frustrating, and can demoralize the person beyond what the same feels with a little food in their belly. With a little food in your stomach, the thought of begging is an abstract, the thought of eating half rotten food, of trying to eat around insects in a pile of scraps from a dumpster is beyond comprehension. Your shaking from hunger, you're crying but no tears come out. Your body is eating itself. You barely can sleep, and when you do it is in fits. You spend hours sinking inward and thinking of ending it all.

I was picked up and dusted off by a Catholic charity. Given food, a hot shower, shave, and a haircut. They gave me donated clothes, hooked me up with a doctor. Helped me find a job. All of that was awesome. But what I remember most of all, the one thing that changed me, right then and there, was they looked me in the eye. They put their arm around me. I was invisible for so long, and to have someone remind me that I was indeed human, and deserving of dignity. They gave me the one gift that I was missing, the one thing I needed not to end it all... Hope.

I see hope in this video. I see a man deserving of dignity. I see a man who has opened his eyes, and looks to tomorrow, instead of closing them to the darkness of today.

[RebelOne]

28. That is a great post. I hope you are doing well now. n/t

[Glassunion]

32. I am doing great. It was quite some time ago.

Thanks

[nolabear]

30. That's marvelous. Thank you for telling your truth.

It's so, so easy to sit back and cast stones at those who are trying to help, all the while not bothering to do anything yourself.

Much respect to you and those who've helped you.

[Catherine Vincent]

33. ...

[renate]

37. thank you for writing so eloquently

[trumad]

43. Excellent post

DU is making me I'll lately.

[tenderfoot]

47. I glad you were able to get help.

My issue with this video is that the organization behind the ministry is another way to undermine federal or state agencies that assist the poor. There is something sketchy about it. Please forgive me.

[Glassunion]

50. I'm having some difficulty. What organization is behind the ministry?

[tenderfoot]

53. Not sure.

But certainly a way to get someone to suggest cuts to benefits. See? This non-profit is helping the homeless groom and find religion - why spend tax dollars.

This is about privatizing public services period.

Scroll down to the board members: http://degageministries.org/board.html

[Glassunion]

55. I think you are looking too deep into this.

Yes, they do have a banker and an HR guy from Amway on their board, I'll give you that. But the remainder of the board is made up of a small business owner, 2 lawyers, a corporate whistle blower, nurse, tech consultant, a condo manager, and a concrete contractor.

They are not a front for any other organization. I think you are reading way to much into this.

[tenderfoot]

62. I have a right to be skeptical

Especially considering that the original story comes from theblaze.com - hardly a credible source. Have a look-see.

[Glassunion]

66. Actually ABC ran the story 8 day before the blaze article.

Who ran with it first? I am unsure.

[Number23]

56. Good God, what a magnificent post

When I read threads like this, it is hard for me to remember that this place used to full of smart, interesting people, not snarling, bitter, humorless maniacs that look for any glimmer of sunshine, any sliver of hope in order to open their pants and shit all over it.

Thank you for your post. And thanks to that Catholic charity and others that have made miracles like yours happen.

[Hekate]

67. Thank you, Glassunion, thank you for speaking your truth from the heart

I do not understand the ideologically based hatred sliming up DU these days.

[Peacetrain]

25. I don't give a hairy damn whose nose gets out of joint

if this guy benefited from this.. if this organization helped him save his life.. go sit on it and spin if you do not like the fact that it is some kind of ministry. (never heard of this organization before) Unless someone can post something here to show me this is a cult sucking the brains out of this poor fellow.. all I can say is best wishes guy.. and glad you are getting a chance for recovery

[xchrom]

26. having walked a mile or 2 in this man's shoes -- i can't TELL YOU how much

it means to physically leave behind the visible accoutrement of the old life.

when you see your Self again -- after spending so much time unable to even look at your Self -- how deep such a transformation goes.

it's bone deep.

[grantcart]

42. tks for the personal note.

[Triana]

68. Of course it does. Though the 'makeover' was

on the outside, the (after)effects are felt deep inside. It's easier to BE the change when you can SEE the change and this is an important way to help make it happen.

The man got housing and went to AA - and I don't care who helped him or how. The important thing is that someone did and it made a difference.

[nolabear]

27. I'm so happy for the ending. Sometimes being seen as having possibilities does wonders.

I don't know anything about the ministry or what else they might do for people, but I'm not afraid to be happy they step in and try to help where so many would simply...not.

[NBachers]

29. This is action on a human scale that can make a difference

If a scruffy stray dog or cat were taken off the street and cleaned up and given care & a home, would the disparaging comments be different?

This isn't a massive government program spending billions of dollars.

It's a few people reaching out to affect the lives of those who need it.

It's personal action, one-on-one.

So what exactly is the problem with that?

You want to complain?

When's the last time you personally put your hands on a homeless veteran to show them kindness and encouragement?

[karadax]

31. Needs a follow up with Jim Wolf.

And his experience with Dégagé Ministries.

[LanternWaste]

34. About six or seven tears ago, a story was posted on DU about an anonymous Ohio (?) resident

A great story that touched me a bit more than it should have. And some of the responses remind me of...

About six or seven years ago, a story was posted on DU about an anonymous Ohio (?) resident who paid the November electric bill for everyone in his sleepy town as a Christmas present. Nothing wrong with that, right? I mean, it's a nice gift that can help out a lot of households strapped for cash because of the upcoming holidays. Who wouldn't want a utility paid up in full?

But just as in this thread, a few dumb-ass assholes had to piss on it and tell us how he didn't do enough, how he wasn't really helping, how X would have been a more effective gift, etc.

Just goes to show me that whatever nice gesture is done, whenever compassion is shown to our fellow humans, whoever illustrates a bit of generosity, some half-educated, sub-literate asshole is going to do whatever he can to piss on it-- regardless that probability tells us he's done much less for those around him-- that he holds others to a much higher standard than he holds himself to.


But still... wonderful story you posted, regardless of the Downer Brigade foaming at the mouth because someone did a nice thing for someone else.

[ScreamingMeemie]

72. Yeah... I tried to share a story about a guy who bought a bike for someone last week.

Of course, he was doing it for PR.

I used to wonder why books such as "A Christmas Story" were written. And then I realized that Scrooges really DO exist.

[Gothmog]

38. Great video

I really enjoyed this.

[anneboleyn]

60. I did too. I found it very moving.

[Mnemosyne]

39. K&R, because it matters. nt

[HereSince1628]

40. If only every problem in vets' lives cleaned up so easily

Absolutely EVERY vet deserves a dry hootch.

http://dryhootch.org/events

[Raine1967]

41. Wonderful!

I'm shocked and a bit saddened to read some of the responses to this op.

Any port of hope in a storm is my mantra.

Thanks, Trumad!

[jmowreader]

44. There are groups that do this with homeless women

They pretty them up and dress them up, teach them how to interview, figure out what job skills they have and so on, so they can have a chance of getting a good job - the one true way to solve the homeless problem. There aren't too many employers who will hire a guy who looks like he used to; now, he doesn't have that problem.

If Jim West was Jennifer West and she finished the video in a business dress and ruby lips, very few people here would complain. But it's a man, and who cares what men look like, right?

[Liberal In Texas]

45. Reminds me of Jason Statham in "Redemption"

Except in the movie when he got cleaned up he reverted to hurting people.

I wish the fellow in the video the best of luck and hope he can get some professional help (VA?) to help keep him off the street.

[whatchamacallit]

48. Haight Street to Wall Street in 2 minutes

:/

[Sunlei]

49. doesn't the mans Vet benefits provide dental? he needs to be able to smile.

[libdem4life]

57. "Whatever you do for these who are poor and homeless, you have done to me." Jesus.

Awesome. Blessings. Hope.

[Fumesucker]

65. Reminded me of this movie

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Of course it also reminded me of just how much our culture tends to judge the book by the cover.

[Liberal_in_LA]

69. wow!!!!

[mythology]

70. A good deed

Our country does far too little for our veterans.