I'm raising money for basic needs so I can finish school.

Why I'm using HandUp for my basic needs.

I am fundraising for basic needs so I can finish school. I am going to school for barbering so I can support myself. While I'm in school, it's helpful to have HandUp to help me meet my basic needs.

About me.

I was born in Riverside, CA and I came to SF in 1965. I grew up in the Fillmore. I'm the 17th child of 18 kids. I am the father of 4 kids and 5 grandkids. I've always had a passion of doing barbering. I'm working on getting my license. It's tough living in the shelters. I'm trying to be independent and take care of myself through barbering.

My backstory.

For a number of years, I didn't make the healthiest decisions. I became sick and tired of the lifestyle I had been living, and decided I needed to change. I'm now back in school to better myself through education.

Living in the shelters is tough, especially having to deal with 300 different attitudes. What keeps me going is when people who live there support me and encourage me to keep on going. This helps me more than anything.

My goals, moving forward.

I would love to have my own barber shop some day. I would love to be able to give back to homeless people by allowing them an opportunity to groom themselves at a discount. I believe haircuts can help uplift a person. I would also employ other people who are getting out of homelessness.

Other things I'd like to share about myself.

Seeing people leave my barber chair with a smile on their face makes me happiest. Being recognized for the achievements I've accomplished makes me feel great.