MIDLAND, Texas — Dozens of people came out to the Midland Salvation Army for their resource fair on Thursday.
The Salvation Army puts on this event every year. It is designed to help get Midlanders who live on the streets or in low-income housing get off the streets and back onto their feet.
“They can get help with getting housing and help with, if they already have housing but they are low income, they can get help with their utility bills," Mikell McLaughlin - who works within community relations at Midland Salvation Army - said. "Some organizations help with rent. If they need help getting their ID, social security card or birth certificate, there's agencies that help them with that.”
The resource fair can also help people find food banks to get a consistent meal or therapy for their mental health.
One of many who got help was Joseph Almaras, who was born and raised in Midland. He ended up on the streets but sometimes stays at the Salvation Army.
Right now, he is waiting to get some identification, but he was able to get some assistance at the resource fair.
“I'm currently living here," Almaras said. "I'm waiting for my ID and my social security, but it's on the way, and that really helped me out.”
He used to be paralyzed from the waist down, but has recently gotten back some feeling and has even started to walk and talk again.
The resource fair gave him the connection he needs to get legal help regarding his disability.
“Today, I talked to a lawyer about my disability," Almaras said. "They’re going to help out me so I could be on my way.”
Some people may be too nervous or too proud to ask for help.
To those people, Almaras has one simple message for them.
“Don't be scared. It’s one step. That's all it takes," Almaraz said. "Once you show up, they'll help you be alright.”