Helping those experiencing homelessness

New tonight at six, dozens of people struggling with homelessness in Tampa are getting a helping hand. The organization Catholic Charities held a clothing giveaway and raffle for those who are trying to turn their lives around. FOX 13's Evan Axelbank shows us how it can take the work of organizations both big and small to make a dent in the homeless population. Today is the first day of the rest of Odell Reyes' life. They definitely got me to where I was stable mentally, physically. After three years of living on the streets, in under a month of living at the Catholic Charities site on 3rd Avenue, he's already sober and transitioning to full-time housing with his wife, Stephanie. It is very, very important that you have people for support because with no support then you don't have any motivation. Saturday brought a pancake breakfast, raffle and clothing distribution for about 200 of those in need. John Pisano, who goes by The Blanket Guy, organized the clothing drive. I'd rather than get clothes and worry about something else and try to go up the streets and start working. You don't have the transportation, you don't have the income. Things like this help us feel normal to actually get back into a normal, productive life. And when we feel like we're human, we act human. People who we spoke to here who are part of the program say that there's no shame at all in what they've been through. In fact, they want to show off their story because a little help can go a long way. I've been here for four weeks and in four weeks I've gotten more done than I've gotten done in the last 11 years of being homeless. I'm going to get an apartment, you know, I've gotten the mental health that I needed. The Tampa-Hillsborough Homeless Initiative says 1,761 are homeless in the city today compared to 2,043 years ago. Residents say Catholic Charities is subsidizing apartments for those who are ready to start again. There is a price for a barber and hygiene kit, but the return on investment may as well be infinity. It's not about just kicking the can down the road, it's about building up an identity. A big part of Brandi Edwards' identity is church. She pieced through the clothing giveaway to find outfits that she feels are fitting for Sundays. The Lord has been good to me and I want to make sure that I show my appreciation by the way I dress. Feeling welcome there helps her feel welcome everywhere. Evan Axelbank, FOX 13 News. Alright Evan, thanks so much.