DENVER — Where most people turn a blind eye, Brian Fun and Doris Merritt go with an open heart.
They are the guardian angels of Denver's homeless, quietly handing out hats, scarves and food every day before and after work.
"We start the day of Thanksgiving through the end of the year," Fun said. "So, it’s a whole month of gratitude and helping the homeless."
It all started three years ago when Fun was attending nursing school near the mission.
"I would see homeless people on my way to school that didn’t have hats, gloves, socks or even food so I decided to try and help our community," he said.
And so, he and his long time piano teacher, Doris Merritt, launched their Hats For the Homeless Project to try and offer help. Merritt crochets all the scarves and hats.
"In the warmth of my own home, I can make those scarves and hat sets and the way people have been taking them, apparently they help," Merritt said.
Together, they have given out hundreds of hats. It's a small act that's met with an abundance of gratitude.
"I think we need more people like him," said Chakib Ezzahir, who said he has been homeless on and off for years.
They are gifting people a little comfort for the holidays with a warmth they hope lasts all year long.
"I think that we are truly all one paycheck away from being homeless," Fun said. "I’m so grateful that I have a warm house, a car and I don’t have to sleep on the street. I believe that we really need to be involved in our community, which is important."
Molly Hendrickson anchors Denver7 in the mornings from 4:30-7 a.m. She also features a different 7Everyday Hero each week on Denver7. Follow Molly on Facebook here and Twitter here. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.
