Three years ago, at our downtown mobile shower site for homeless neighbors, I met Shaun. He was a regular at our shower services. One day, our brief but profound conversation marked the beginning of a journey that would transform his life.
Shaun was waiting in line for his turn when I struck up a conversation. I asked if he was tired of his current life situation. He admitted he was, and our chat revealed that he had a talent for cutting hair. I told Shaun that if he was serious about making a change, I would bring the necessary haircutting supplies in two weeks.
Founder of Mercy Holistic Ministry, Berhanu Didanu (left), and Shaun, Barber at Mercy Holistic Ministry (right)
True to his word, Shaun showed up on the second Saturday, ready to volunteer. I provided all the equipment he needed, and his dedication was immediate and unwavering. After two months of offering his services voluntarily, we saw his potential and hired him as an employee of Mercy Holistic Ministry.
In the three years since then, Shaun and his fiancée, Weezy, have given over 1,000 free haircuts to people experiencing homelessness in Sacramento. Their commitment has provided a much grooming to people who come to take shower. Shaun's transformation from a service recipient to a valued provider has been nothing short of inspirational.
Beginning a New Chapter
Shaun continued thriving and he’d taken on a second job, driving a yellow cab, to improve his finances.
“Mercy Holistic Ministry opened a door for me to change my life. Today, as I embarked on this new journey, I can’t thank enough Berhanu, MHM founder, and want to show my appreciation by paying it forward”, says Shaun. Despite his new job, Shaun continued to come into the shower sites to provide haircuts to homeless neighbors, helping those who were in the same place he had been not too long ago. As he navigated the bustling city streets of Sacramento in his cab, Shaun's mind often drifted to his ultimate dream: owning his own barber shop. He envisioned a place where people felt welcomed and valued.
Mercy Holistic Ministry’s envisions to transform the lives of people experiencing homelessness, helping them become productive citizens. The story of Shaun is just one of the many success stories of the homeless people we serve. Over the past three and a half years, Mercy Holistic Ministry has provided showers to over 10,000 people, donated and maintained 200 bikes, and helped many individuals connect with job opportunities.
Your prayers and contributions have been instrumental in making these transformations possible. The journey of individuals like Shaun shows the profound impact that a helping hand and a listening ear can have. Donate today to support our work.
By Rev. Berhanu Didanu
Founder and Executive Director of Mercy Holistic Ministry