Treating People with Dignity
September 26, 2024
To Inspire:
Homelessness is a growing problem in the United States. In Georgia, nearly a quarter of the state’s homeless population is in Atlanta. While the issues surrounding homelessness are many, one Atlanta man is using his retirement to bring access to basic human necessities to people on the streets.
An Atlanta nonprofit called Flowing With Blessings, founded in 2022 by Clarenton “Nicky” Crawford, is working to assist the city’s homeless. Initially Nicky unveiled a mobile shower for the homeless community. The mobile unit has sinks, toilets, and showers, and also provides towels, undergarments, and socks for those using the facilities.
The inspiration for the organization came when Nicky read an article about a man who had passed out soaps, shampoos, and other toiletries from hotels to unhoused individuals.
“About an hour after the gentleman passed the supplies out, one man came around and gave them back saying he appreciated it, but he had nowhere to shower, so that stuck with me,” Nicky said.
Now Nicky has launched a mobile laundry room. Working with a student-led engineering team from George Tech, a repurposed school bus now provides free access to washers and dryers.
Nicky and his team get up every Tuesday and Thursday mornings around 4:30 a.m. to set up the showers and laundry bus near a local hospital.
The retired administrator says he believes it’s his life’s mission to help the homeless. “I have always had a love for people who were less fortunate because other than the grace of God, this could be me,” he said.
Nicky said many people ask why he wanted to help the homeless, as the perception is many of them are on drugs or have mental illnesses. He said while that may be true of some it is not true of all, and even then, it doesn’t mean people don’t deserve to be treated with dignity.
His work doesn’t stop with the showers and mobile laundry. He has partnered with churches, social agencies, hospitals, law enforcements, thrift stores, and more to help get people everything from haircuts to health checks to a hot meal.
Nicky’s daughter Christina Moss helps out with nonprofit. Of her dad she said, “He’s such a giver to everybody he knows, so this just allowed him to dive into what God was preparing him for all along.”
As far as future goals, Nicky wants to eventually collaborate with Atlanta’s mayor and other officials on other initiatives including refrigerated storage options for diabetic medications and how to engage unhoused individuals to help clean public areas in the city.
Nicky has a beautiful way to think about his life of purpose. He says if he can help someone as he passes along, then his living is not in vain.
Talk about a purpose-filled retirement. What an inspiring reminder to look for opportunities to get involved in the things we’re passionate about and to make giving back part of our own great life.
Written by Michelle O’Brien, Manager of Marketing & Communications