TAMPA, Fla. — For the roughly 1,500 homeless people in Hillsborough County, Tampa Community Homeless Outreach Event represents hope for turning their misfortunes around.
- Event a community constant since 2013
- Vendors on hand provided array of services
- Next homeless outreach event coming in June
- More Hillsborough County stories
“I think it's awesome,” said James Bryant, Jr., a 46-year old homeless man in Hillsborough County as he was getting a free haircut. “I think it's very cool that they came down here to help. I've seen a lot of good haircuts come out of here and he's (the barber) is making me job-worthy.”
Bryant has lived on the streets since 2013. He came down to Florida from his native Virginia and through a series of unfortunate events, which included losing his wallet, he became homeless. Without any form of identification, he is unable to work, leaving him with few options for financial support.
“I have to work or I have to beg,” said Bryant. “It's the only thing we (the homeless) have.”
The Homeless Outreach Event, a community constant since 2013, was held Tuesday inside the old Sears building at University Mall Tuesday. Organizers offered up everything from a shower to a shave, making over members of a community that are often overlooked.
About 37 vendors were on hand providing an array of services ranging from clothing and food to medical treatment, hygiene bags and meals. Volunteers helped process applications for temporary and permanent housing, the biggest concern for those who work in homeless outreach.
“Even though we're housing more and more people, there's still a need for housing,” said Tampa Police Officer and Homeless Liaison Daniel McDonald. “Basically, demand exceeds supply at this point.”
Bryant says the new haircut and shave made him feel like a new man and he’s hoping to join the workforce once he gets his paperwork in order.
“I'm hoping to get an ID so I can work again like a normal person,” he said.
The next homeless outreach event will be held in June.