ODESSA - Many who head to the Basin for work often come with nothing, some are left to sleep on the streets.
Once a month, three local charities join forces to help the homeless get back on their feet.
Whether it's finding a job, getting social security or even a free haircut, three local entities join forces once a month to help those in need get back on their feet.
"In the area, tons of people have come, as we know, for the oilfields. The jobs here. But those people arrive without any place to live, without a car, without a dollar, without anyone they know," Catholic Charities Agency Lead, Emily Marruffo, said.
Every first Monday of the month, the Odessa Tabernacle Family Life Center, First Baptist Church and Catholic Charities join forces to help change the lives of the less fortunate.
"Pope Francis blessed some rosaries and I want to give the rosaries to the people who want to recite the rosaries," Father Mamachen Joseph, Associate Pastor at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, said.
If a resident needs help with social security, job applications or just wants a bite to eat, this gathering is a one stop shop.
"We cut their hair, clean up their beards, noses, we clean up their ears. We give any type of haircuts to both men and women," Volunteer, Herminia "Minnie" Garcia, said.
The best part is all of these services are free.
"When they say, 'Thank you,' it's very touching. When they say 'Thank you,' I say, 'It's nothing because it's thanks to you that we are here. Thanks to the Lord that we're all here.' It's something more than 'Thank you.' It's love, like a family love," Garcia said.
For Garcia, this experience has a much deeper meaning.
"In them, I see my family. For me, it's a sense of intense reflection as if I were cutting my own fathers hair, my brother's, my neighbor's, my friend's. I love doing it," Garcia said.
Around 100 people attend the monthly gathering looking to move forward in their lives. Odessa resident Doug Richie is one of them.
"It helps people out. It helps people with job searches, get some haircuts. Gives them the things that they need. I think it's a good thing," Richie said.
If you'd like to volunteer, donate, or attend the next gathering, we've posted all the information you need to know
We want to know, have you seen someone go above and beyond to help others? Maybe you've witnessed a random act of kindness? If so, let us know! We'd love to share the story. Just call our newsroom at (432) 567-9991 or email
