Hey all - Happy New Year and welcome back to the blog. For those that are new - HI!! Nice to meet you and let's catch you up. This blog shares powerful stories by unique and resilient individuals to educate, inspire and help change the stigma of Vancouver BC's Downtown Eastside. By providing complimentary shaves and haircuts, Vancouver barber Alysha Osborne, founder/director of 2 Paycheques Away.. Registered charity has been able to start a conversation about the misconceptions regarding homelessness, addiction and mental health. By simply asking "how would you like to look?" we get a glimpse into a world of what it's like being judged and misunderstood.

So far we've had the pleasure of meeting Mouse, Jodi & Johnny.

Mouse's story shows that determination and perseverance can help overcome a broken back.

Jodi's story taught us not to be shy and to go ahead and ask questions to open lines of communication and understanding.

Johnny's story shows us that adapting with a terrible illness isn't easy, especially when you cant afford your meds.

At first glance, the Downtown Eastside might appear to be a bit scary, maybe a little dangerous, filled with citizens of disrepute. However, when you push aside the curtain of bias, you will find a community of deeply connected citizens supporting one another. You will find seriously ill people doing their best to survive, sometimes in a more unconventional manner. You will find folks that have fallen on hard times. These same folk will invite you to share a meal when they only have enough to feed themselves. You will find kindness, compassion, and deeper understanding of the meaning of Home.

Do you see any of this kind of compassion, kindness and understanding in your neighborhood?

"no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."

Aesop

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#FromAVisitToTheBarber #2PaychequesAway #MentalHealth #Haircuts #Photography #ChangeTheStigma #DisabilityAwareness #Adapt