COLUMBUS, Ohio — As it gets colder outside, people experiencing homelessness struggle more, but there’s a group of volunteers at Be Blessed 2 who dedicate their time helping others.

What You Need To Know

  • Be Blessed 2 Ministries is helping people experiencing homelessness

  • They helped serve more than 100 people 

  • They provided showers, haircuts, clothing and a warm meal

“My heart has always been to help people, and what better way to do it,” volunteer Terry Neighbors said.

Neighbors is one of the volunteers at Be Blessed 2. On Saturday morning they helped more than 100 homeless people in Columbus. 

“It’s good to see the smiles on their faces and know that they’re going to get treated well,” Neighbors said.

“I came to get a bite to eat and get a haircut and had to shower, got some clothes, and I’m headed back to the Pierce Center,” said Levar Reynolds, a man experiencing homelessness.

Reynolds said he will be back if there’s another event like this to help him. 

“I’m really thankful," he said. "It’s really nice everybody’s real cool, and I enjoy myself."

Marcus Salter works for the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless. People often ask him why he helps the homeless. He said everyone needs a helping hand sometimes. 

“We talk about the different resources and always say that there’s a lot of resources here in Columbus, but we gotta find a way to connect ‘em, and so most folks that are here today are just looking for some resources and assistance, and that’s why we’re here,” he said.

Salter goes the extra mile, trying to help the homeless find their future shelter.

“It’s a lot," he said. "If you’re out there trying to figure out ‘where (I'm going to) lay my head just for today, then I gotta figure out where I’m gonna eat, what doctor I need to see, who’s gonna be free services, who’s gonna give me some helping assistance."

Salter said volunteering at an event like this brings all of those resources under one roof. 

“We just talk about homelessness and what that looks like," he said. "There is no particular one look or one person that is homeless. Homelessness if affecting so many people across our community."

As people got their warm showers, got their haircuts, a Thanksgiving meal and left with some donated clothes, the volunteers said they know they’re making a difference by helping those who need it.