Former Homeless Helping Current Homeless
By: Rebecca Jeffrey
Updated: November 19, 2012
It's said the only thing stronger than fear is hope, and that's what two men in Northwest Arkansas are trying to give to the needy in the area. But they're asking for your help.
Just a year ago the unthinkable happened to Shane Callcut and his wife after moving to a new home in Johnson.
"We were there for one week when the levy underneath the train tracks gave way and sent 6 feet of water flowing through the neighborhood. We lost everything," Callcut said, co-founder of Compassion in Action (C.I.A.) NWA.
Being without is something Tony Cossey knows all too well.
"I used to be homeless myself, I lived in my car," Cossey said, co-founder of C.I.A. NWA.
Thanks to friends, family and complete strangers, they are both back on their feet and ready to pay it forward.
"I think Compassion in Action kind of stemmed from that for me, because others showed us compassion, and in turn, I wanted to give it back," Callcut said.
"Shane and I are not wealthy, we don't have a lot of money, we're struggling ourselves in today's economy and I think that's why we have such a heart for people," Cossey said.
C.I.A. is the outcome of their tough times.
"There's many groups that want to help, that have this same heart, but there's not enough," Cossey said.
Now the two hope to join efforts with support groups already in the area, but with a personal twist.
"I think what we really want to do is be the in-between folks for the in-between times, when families and those that have struggle have reached their limits with other helping organizations," Callcut said.
So the goal of C.I.A. is to work together.
"If we could coordinate with other organizations in the area instead of everybody trying to compete and be the one, I think we could get a whole lot more done and more people could be helped," Callcut said.
More help, means more hope. The one thing that got Callcut and Cossey where they are now.
"If you truly have compassion, without action, it doesn't mean anything."
If you're interested in donating your goods, time or talent to C.I.A. check out their Facebook page Compassion in Action NWA or email them at CompassionNWA@gmail.com
