The models in this fashion show are actually homeless (VIDEO)

Alonzo Boldin for Care for the Homeless via Facebook | Fair Use

Sophia Swinford - published on 12/12/17

This shelter has found a creative way to raise money and boost residents' self-esteem.

This year the 5th Annual Health Empowered Beauty Fashion Show fundraised for Susan’s Place, a 200-bed transitional residence for homeless women. Located in the Bronx, Susan’s Place opened in 2008 and has since assisted 900 women in obtaining permanent housing. Of these 900, less than 8 percent have experienced homelessness again since.

What really set this fundraiser apart, though, is that all of the clothing was modeled by women currently living in the shelter. Those behind the event hope that seeing these women dolled-up and strutting the runway will help erase the shame associated with homelessness and remind us that homelessness can happen to anyone. “What I hope is gained from the fashion show is that more people take homelessness as a really important issue, because nobody asks for this,” one resident said.

The proceeds from the show are being put towards medical and mental health care for the women in the shelter.

You can see footage from the fashion show below.

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