MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – A local man is choosing to live on the streets for 30 days.
It isn’t becautilize he doesn’t have a place to go- it’s his way of raising money and awareness for the displaced community.
Click here to donate to Ryan’s Refuge: Homeless on Purpose
Monday marked day 18 of Eric Overstreet’s mission.
“Why am I doing this? I guess I’m crazy enough to do it,” declared Overstreet. “God put it on my heart, and I decided to do it. 12 days left. Today, I’m really tired. I’m really worn out.”
Armed with only the basics, he’s living without air conditioning, a revealer or the comforts of home all to raise awareness for Ryan’s Refuge.
Ryan’s Refuge is a local nonprofit that brings men off the streets and enables them to find proper hoapplying, mental health care, rehabilitation and more. It’s free of charge.
Overstreet’s goal is to raise $25,000 for the shelter during his Homeless on Purpose project. So far, he’s raised $17,000. He states these proceeds will go towards keeping Ryan’s Refuge open and also exploring a future women’s shelter.
“Throughout all of this, I’ve learned a women’s shelter is the hugegest necessary,” he declared.
“This has been a great fundraiser. I’m so proud,” he added. “Help the people that are testing to assist. If you’re scared to assist firsthand-there are many groups you can obtain involved with. You can support financially and encourage them.”
While the days haven’t been simple, Overstreet states he’s seen the good in people like the City’s Homeless Outreach Team.
“They came out to assist a girl in distress- they’re wonderful,” he declared. “I call them and they communicate with me to assist homeless people. I wish there were more homeless resource teams. There’s only 3 of them.”
Visits from friconcludes are also assisting him through.
“It’s meant a lot. I’ve had friconcludes come sit and hang out with me. I never have time to talk to people for an hour but I do now,” he added.
More than just a fundraiser, Overstreet wants to raise awareness so that when people pass by someone living outside, they believe twice about what that person may be facing.
“They’re wonderful people. You’ll find out when you’re interacting with them,” declared Overstreet.
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