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Facing Homelessness

22,969 views
Rex Hohlbein can't tell you why he stopped to offer tea to the homeless man sleeping outside his architecture office one day, but he did, and that split-second decision to follow his intuition, changed his life. In a span of 5 years, Hohlbein has given up his architecture career to advocate for the homeless by changing public perception of who they are. He asks you to see the person, rather than the issue of homelessness. Watch how Hohlbein uses the power of social media to build a community of connection, compassion, and friendship.
Be The Change
1
Meet some of the beautiful people that make up the Facing Homelessness community.
2
Watch Rex Holhbein's TEDx talk to learn more about how we can each take small and meaningful steps to respond to the inequality in our midst.
3
Say "hello" to the next homeless person you come across in your day.
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Reflections (39)

Vinisha
Our small compassionate actions leads to greater changes.

Carol
One human being helping another. Simple and open, I love that. Using technology to help, that's a good thing. Just listened to a piece on HandUp that is going on in San Francisco, other individuals helping others. We all matter. Good work people, let's keep it up!
Barb
Rex's openness to simply be with a man who was homeless and to learn from him and later to be with more persons who are homeless and achieve greater understanding and respect.
Mary Gibbons
What struck me most was his "Just Say Hellow". Who of us cannot afford to do this one simple thing? Say hellow to one person everyday on your way to work for a week and you will find that person smiling before you say hello. You just made a difference in someones life.
Wendy Wright
The see somebody really caring and looking deeper into the person. I always Wonder when I see so many of the people that are homeless in my town, which is a lot because the State Mental Health Center here since the late eighteen hundreds and budgets cut leave people sleeping down by the railroad tracks always have a few dollars out for them and try to drop off bags of clothing and things that I find with my husband painting two places I know we'll make sure that they get them or to them directly
linda
Empathy that becomes compassion! Oh, for a lot more people who "judge not!"
Jennifer
Rex is out there doing it. He is the change, the connection, the embodiment of being a resource in his community and a beacon of love and hope!
jeani
What touched me the most is Rex's sincerity. And yes, each person has a story, as do we all. It takes nothing to offer a smile or a few words. There is nothing worse than to be "invisible"and surely we all have enough humanity to reach out, even in a small way,. to another.
Kelly
Zeke - that's an awfully harsh comment to make, given the many, many reasons people end up losing everything. Of course there are 'losers'on the streets, but there are 'losers'in high paying positions too. I have almost been there myself, due to a bad combination of an abusive spouse & a health issue that took me off work. And I may be wrong, but I'm not 'a bum'. If you weren't inspired by this guy's story, fine, its a free world. But don't come on here spewing hate when clearly this person is doing something that is on his heart. Bottom line - there is np black or white and as long as people are trying to do good things for others, I say all the power to them!
Linda B
The common thread of mental illness either from a genetic source or trauma. Those that suffer to a point of hopeless, homelessness are so very misunderstood. This man's endeavor to use his brilliant mind to help those who society walks past is a miracle.
Kristin Pedemonti
As someone who often stops to engage in conversation with homeless, share a hug and share a meal, I resonated so much with this. Indeed, see the human being in front of you, who chances are is not so different from you either. Hugs from my heart to yours. May we all see with more compassion.
Zillah Glory
That it enriches the man who took the chance. "Crazy physics. It's something very beautiful... yeah." Awesome.
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