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A Day of Wellness for Austin's homeless

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by QUITA CULPEPPER-KVUE NEWS

kvue.com

Posted on January 18, 2010 at 5:22 PM

Updated Tuesday, Jan 19 at 10:04 AM

Many here in Austin are remembering Martin Luther King Jr. by helping those in need who live on the city's streets.

Hundreds of homeless men, women and children poured into Saint Mary's Church in downtown Austin Monday morning to take part in the 3rd annual Day of Wellness.

For Robert Bowers, who lost his job and became homeless, the help is vital.

"I'm just looking for a little assistance, whatever I can receive," Bowers said. "Hygiene kits, maybe a warm shirt, a change of socks."

Volunteers from Americorp, Soles for Souls and other groups were on hand to provide jackets, new socks and shoes, even haircuts and foot care.

"We have somebody here helping with food stamps, medicare, legal services," said Americorp's Morgan Williams.

Medical experts were also on hand and others with information on housing and employment, along with a warm meal.

Many of the homeless say without help like this, they wouldn't be able to make it.

And the volunteers who serve the city's homeless community believe they're making a difference.  They say the homeless are like anyone else -- many are just down on their luck. 
 

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