Heroes

A few days ago we watched the CNN special show on heroes. They had asked for nominations from the public for people who were known to do special things for others without any reward. Well, of course, there was satisfaction as reward, but CNN meant no monetary reward.

And so the show unfolded with introductions of ten people, each of whom have a story of helping those less fortunate. Perhaps it was poverty – housing, food, social contact. Or maybe it was disability and dire ill health. Some were of forgotten people left on their own to survive in desperate conditions.

Along with naming these ten heroes, four young people who have already shown promise of similar accomplishments, were named. Their stories told. How they got an idea to make a difference in someone’s life. And they took simple, direct action. Small but evident. Something larger happened, like a miracle. The youth were as surprised as were the recipients of the generosity.

By the end of the show, the public was asked to vote for their favorite hero of the ten. This would be the Hero of the Year. Each of the ten heroes received prize money of $10,000. The Hero of the Year would receive an additional $100,000. The kids were not rewarded, just encouraged to keep at their missions of mercy; perhaps they too, would become a hero. Of course, they already are!

The show was well worth the 2 hours spent watching it. The stories told of each youth and hero were moving and welcome in our age of greed and selfishness. But something more emerged from the evening.

I work with entrepreneurs starting new businesses. Or small businesses in trouble in need of a boost. Some of these small entities are nonprofits, forming or in a very early stages of operation. Their work is very similar to the stories shared in the CNN Heroes program. Many of the missions were the same or very similar.

One such woman is appalled at the homelessness of American veterans. She is adamant about doing something about that. Not for her sake, but for our nation’s sake and our veterans who seem forgotten. She has latched onto the tiny home movement to fill the gap of homes for the vets. As expected, she is having a hard time of it. Community building codes often stand in the way of tiny home placement or construction.

There are exceptions, but creative solutions are emerging. Veterans are getting much needed housing. So too, are others in similar need. A revolution is taking place in housing; first a concept; then a lifestyle change; followed by acceptance and recognized value. Tiny home or not, a place for those in need is found. A place for a new lifestyle is also found for those who desire it and are already housed.

My client is fighting a good fight for the vets. But she is also opening doors to a new housing movement that just may catch on. She needs help. Organizational help. Planning help. Then investment dollars and helping hands to make the dreams come true.

We are doing the strategic planning today. Free. To help her. To help the vets.

Another hero for CNN? Next year? We shall see. Her quest is true. Her star is bright. I think she will shine.

December 20, 2018