Homeless Veteran Alan McKracken

Alan McCracken is a United States Army veteran who proudly served his country for 6 years before being honorably discharged.   After his service ended, he fell on hard times and wound up homeless, living on the streets and eventually making his way to Las Vegas.  Many will recognize Alan from the "Magician Rips Up A Homeless Man's Sign " viral video, where I, Rob Anderson did a magical stunt with his sign by tearing, restoring it and producing money from it.  Many who watched the video were struck by Alan's kindness toward me by picking up a pen cap that I dropped while drawing on his sign (if you haven't seen the video, please watch it to understand context).  Requests have poured in for more info about Alan by people wanting to know his story and how they can help.

Since filming the video, I have located Alan again and gotten to know him.  Alan is just as kind in person as he appears in the video.  He can often be seen in downtown Las Vegas with a large sign that says "SMILE", just trying to bring a smile to strangers' faces, even if they don't give him any money.  After speaking with Alan, he told me "I'm not out here to fill my pockets... I'm out here to fill my soul.  The Lord will provide what I need".  Alan does not do any drugs, and is proud to tell you about overcoming alcoholism much earlier in life.  He would love to find a job, but as he explained to me, it's difficult to find a job when you don't have a home to clean yourself up in, or a decent change of clothes to wear.  If there's anyone who would be deserving of assistance to get back on their feet, it is Alan McCracken. 

I am starting this fund for Alan to provide him with an apartment in Las Vegas for 6 months, food, new clothes that he can wear to job interviews, other basic necessities, and to set up a bank account for his new life.