Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down

Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down

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By Lisa Keuning 

The annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down was this weekend and I had the privilege of volunteering in the haircut tent for a few hours. This local version of a national event provides many services to those currently homeless and those close to being homeless, with an emphasis on support for Veterans. Jessica and I joined some of our friends and fellow Dream Catchers volunteers to man the haircut station Sunday morning. The line of chairs were quickly filled by the time we got our clippers plugged in and we went to work! A haircut may seem trivial in the grand scheme of things when you’re thinking of services for a homeless person, but that little haircut tent moved 214 people through the line in one weekend! The need is great, but the volunteers, resources, and helpful spirit is even greater. I am proud to have been a small help to such a wonderful, fulfilling cause!

I have my hands in people’s hair nearly every day. Think about that for a second; how intimate that can be. The people I connect with are always grateful for the haircut, but few are genuinely touched and truly thankful for such a simple thing as the people I encountered today. One homeless man, who everyone knew by name as he has returned year after year, literally slept while I was cutting his hair. The cut probably wasn’t great. I could barely reach the front of his hair on his bowed head. I wasn’t even sure he knew where he was or what was going on … but I kept going! When I finished and took off the cape, he stood up, looked me in the eye, and shook my hand before taking off to meet his friend. He didn’t know what his hair looked like. He didn’t care. He was grateful for me being there, doing my thing, and respecting his peaceful day.

I spent my morning not only cutting but listening to and sharing with homeless veterans, locals, and volunteers who were the most gracious and grateful people. They didn’t need me, but I needed them. I am thankful I had the opportunity to experience and participate in this year’s Stand Down. My heart is full and my cup runneth over.