Shattered Stereotypes at Laundry Love Santa Ana

  • We received an email from Tim Moore asking us to share his experience with Laundry Love Santa Ana.

    I met “Johnny” (I won’t use his real name) during a Laundry Love event in Santa Ana in the Fall of 2009.  If there is a typical image one would have when imagining a homeless person, Johnny doesn’t fit it.  He is fairly young (late 20′s), his clothes were relatively nice, fairly clean cut, and he spoke articulately.

    However, there was something hollow and standoff-ish about him.  I felt compelled to reach out to him… I wanted to know his story.  I introduced myself and noted the strong grip in his handshake and lack of facial expression as we began looking for an available washer.  Once we got his laundry started, I saw the wait time as an opportunity really get to know Johnny.

    As I began to engage Johnny, I met little resistance and it didn’t take long before he started opening up.  Johnny was homeless, which surprised me because my first impression led me to believe otherwise.  He began sharing with me how he used to be involved with gang activities and had taken a bullet to the leg.  He has since moved on from that life and now cuts hair for the homeless.

    After spending most of the night helping Johnny with his laundry, I came to see a lot of potential and wanted to help him help others in his community.  We ended the night with talks of him possibly partnering with Laundry Love to provide barbering services while people get their laundry done.

    Thanks so much for sharing your perspective and experience Tim.  Over the next several weeks more and more personal stories from ordinary folks who have come together to do something extraordinary will continue to be posted.  We hope that you will consider coming out October 15th to be a part as well.

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    September 25th, 2009 | Scott Overpeck | No Comments | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

About The Author

Scott Overpeck is a creative leader with a heart for contextualizing movements of justice, advocacy and compassion to his surroundings. He is the founder of Intersection Creative Strategies, a consultancy advising social enterprises and non profits on communications as it relates to marketing, fund raising and commerce. Additionally he sits on the board of Renewing Hearts; helped found Laundry Love Santa Ana; and leads 511, a small creative community in Santa Ana. Scott lives in Orange County, California with his wife and two sons. He enjoys tacos, unicorns and American Idol.

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