The word "homeless" has such a stigma attached to it. We hear the word and almost completely shut out everything that follows. However, this is a conversation that needs to be had over and over again. Those affected by homelessness are not who you may think. They are our brave veterans—used and forgotten, they are our children—abandoned due to accidental circumstances, they are our mothers, our fathers, our brothers, and sisters.
“The best way to change negative stereotypes about people experiencing homelessness and ultimately end homelessness is to teach young people how to be compassionate advocates.”
—National Coalition for the Homeless
In today's episode we'll discuss the many common misconceptions surrounding homelessness and why it's important to help those in need. I’m joined by Jen McMillan, a small business owner with a heart of gold. Jen, along with her team, help feed the homeless on their days off through her organization Giving Hope. You’ll hear how this hair salon brings the community together and about the importance of doing so.
If you’ve ever thought or said any of the following statements, then this episode is for you.
“Homeless people are lazy.”
“Homeless people are drunks.”
“Homeless people are drug addicts.”
“Homeless people don’t want to change.”
“Homeless people are homeless through their own doing.”
“Homeless people don’t want to work.”
“Homeless people don’t have jobs.”
“Homeless people should just reach out to their family for help.”
“Homeless people should just go to a shelter.”
“I don’t want to help the homeless because I wouldn’t feel safe.”
“Homeless people are rude.”
“I don’t have any money to help the homeless.”
“I don’t know how to help the homeless.”
Jen is the owner of JM Hair Gallery, a Paul Mitchell hair salon, located in Henderson, NV, that has recently doubled in size. She is also the owner of Black Boutique, a clothing boutique for stylists by stylist. Black Boutique is in partnership with Paul Mitchell and is one of the other ways Jen gives back. Proceeds from select items are donated to charitable organizations. You can learn more about both of these businesses by going to their websites below and following them on social media.
JM HAIR GALLERY
www.jmhairgallery.com
INSTAGRAM
www.instagram.com/jmhairgallery
FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Hair-Salon/JM-Hair-Gallery
BLACK BOUTIQUE
https://www.black.boutique
INSTAGRAM
www.instagram.com/blackboutiquelasvegas
Be sure to follow JM Hair Gallery on Facebook to see details and rsvp for Giving Hope’s next event as well as future events. The next event is just around the corner on December 2nd! If you’re local to Las Vegas or Henderson, please come join us!
In this episode, I also spoke briefly about a volunteer opportunity-finding app. That app is called JustServe. You can find it in the Apple app store. Simply download it, it’s FREE, and enter your zip code to start finding volunteer opportunities near you.
To learn more about homelessness and help those in need, visit https://www.nationalhomeless.org