By Jeff Devine
There is an epidemic happening in our community right now. More and more people have become homeless as the cost of living and other factors place a strain on their ability to afford proper housing. One local man is spearheading the efforts to provide these people with the supplies and resources they need to live with dignity until they can get the help needed to move off the streets and into a home or apartment.
John Dasinger, president of Explicit Customs car club and board member of the Roberta Rose Foundation, says something must be done to help the homeless in our community. The Dale County Chronicle spoke with Dasinger this morning about his efforts to make a difference. He is collecting supplies, such as blankets, socks, jackets, personal hygiene products, and more, to provide the people struggling with homelessness the things they need to survive until they can get more stable housing.
“I’m doing this because they need supplies to stay warm, especially with the recent weather,” Dasinger said. Dasinger also added that it is important now more than ever that we reach out to the people struggling with homelessness and the mental health and other issues that often go hand-in-hand with it so they can be safe and warm while living on the streets.
This morning, Dasinger ran into a homeless man at a local gas station and immediately jumped into action. He quickly gather blankets, socks, and other items to give to the man so he could stay warm while living on the streets. Dasinger also gave the man his lunch for the day so the man would be sure to have at least one meal today.
Dasinger and his company, Explicit Customs car club, and other nonprofit groups with which he is affiliated, are working to bring about change and give a face and a voice to the increasing population of the homeless in our community. Dasinger also works to raise funds for other causes. Most recently, his Explicit Customs car club held a fundraiser for the Carroll High School girls softball team so they could get the supplies they needed. They also held a separate fundraiser recently to help the Boys and Girls Club of Ozark.
If you would like to reach out to Dasinger to learn more about how you can help the homeless in our area, call him at (334) 249-5174.
If you would like to contribute supplies, such as blankets, warm socks, jackets/clothing, personal hygiene products, food, etc., you may drop off the items at Ozark Counseling Center, located at 1518 Andrews Avenue, Suite D, Ozark, AL. There is a bin located at the facility where you can simply drop these items off.
The Roberta Rose Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to serving people dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues. If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to support their mission, you may do so by reaching out to them at (334) 344-0876 or by emailing them at [email protected] for more information.
