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I posted this on my Facebook but thought I’d post it here too.
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Feeling so amazed at how easy it is to make change.
Yesterday I was walking the boiling-hot Las Vegas Strip and saw a homeless man leaning against a wall, sweat visibly pouring down his face.
I walked past him at first, but made it only about 3 seconds before I turned around and gave him the water I had in my bag.
I felt bad that it was warm water, but wanted to give him *something*.
I soon saw a Walgreen’s, so I stopped by to get him a cold water and to get a new one for myself.
It was just a minute after I brought him the water that I saw another homeless guy, also with no water. I gave him my extra.
Then I saw 3 more homeless people, each with no freaking water.
It is HOT. AS. HELL. in Vegas! It’s like 100+ degrees every day, and I was crying (surprising even myself) as I was thinking of the idea of these people sitting there with no water.
At first I thought to myself, “Maybe I’m not cut out to live in Las Vegas.” (We’re closing on a house tomorrow.)
I did live here before, but not during the arrestingly hot heat.
This morning I woke up with an idea.
I went on Craigslist, posted an ad, and hired someone to walk the strip 2 times a day and hand out cold water to homeless people until mid-September when the weather calms down.
It’s pretty cheap ($100/week + water), is giving someone a job, and makes my heart feel a *lot* better.
The guy I hired actually offered to record himself walking down the strip to prove he’s doing it. And the hours work perfectly for him, and he needed to make money as he has two kids with a third on the way.
If for some reason he falls through, my backup is someone who’s been homeless and addicted to drugs himself, and is 9 years sober now.
It feels so empowering to know that I can go from feeling hopeless about something to making real change with a Craigslist ad and a few hundred bucks a month.
Really, ANY of us can do this. Maybe you might not have the money, but you could be walking the strip (or doing anything you feel called to do).
Change can often feel so far away, but the truth is… we’re all very freakin’ powerful, and can do so, so much. :)
That is really empowering! It´s inspiring to see how you genuinely care for other people even if you do not know them at all. Love how you acted on that emotion instead of denying it. I think it is really important to respect everyone because you never know their story and how they got to where they are.
PS. I have been listening to your podcast and it always lifts me. Thank you! :)
Wow Rachel,
what a beautiful story. It gives me shivers all over.
In fact, I used to think of homeless people as those who are not strong enough or willing to take responsibility for their lives.
But nevertheless they deserve our help to get out of their situation. Rather than giving them money to pursue their addictions, I love your idea of giving them water in a hot area.
I’m sure life will give you something great back, you deserve it. So glad we connected!
Best regards,
Jan