The Little Things

As many of you know I have recently taken to making rock climbing rope rugs, dog leashes and other fun items. In the last week I started to sell outside in farmers markets and urban street fares. I have noticed a trend (it is not new but more prevalent as I have spent time in more local parks) of all the homeless that call these places home. At my first show a young man in his 20's walked by with a belt made of climbing rope. This belt was tied in a knot and fraying at both ends. I told him if he could come back in the morning when we were all set up I could cut both ends with my hot knife and fix his belt. The next morning not only did I find he watched my booth all that night to make sure nothing was stolen but he was waiting for me with a smile and said, "Hello ma’am. If it is still ok I would really like it if you could help me fix my belt." I said of course and simply cut the ends. When I handed it to him he asked if it would be possible to get and extra if I had rope to spare that he could keep for later when he would need another. He didn't know when the next time he would meet someone like me was he didn't want to go without a belt in the future. I gladly gave in and extra 3' of rope. I didn't really think much after this until this last show. At the end of the show I was taking down my display and was slightly struggling with the top of my booth and two homeless men ran over and helped me dismantle it. I thanked them and asked if there was anything I could do for them. They said no and just chatted with me for a bit. They both told me about how they live in this park and thought that my dog leases were so cool! Both said if they had dogs they would LOVE to buy one. I asked them if they know people in the community that needed them and they said everyone they know with a pet needed a new leash. I contemplated this and here is my new plan and goal for this go fund me page....

I would like to raise $700 to make belts, dog leashes and do general repairs to people’s items! This would be done over a few weeks. We would set up a booth outside the homeless shelters where people can come and get the items and repairs done. 

The $700 would cover the costs for:
100 Belts
100 Dog Leashes
Miscellaneous glues and ropes for repairs.

If all goes well I would hope to train people and make this a monthly event and possibly in multiple cities!