Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Evan Dougoud . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Evan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

In 2018, when I first arrived in Tulsa, I started working at Youth Services of Tulsa, an organization that provided support for unhoused youth under 24. It was during my time there that the spark for what would become the BeHeard Movement was ignited. A group of young individuals I met had an idea to humanize their homelessness journey, to tell their stories in a way that made their voices heard. With just a small camera in hand, we ventured to their encampment and began recording their stories. The experience was profoundly moving, and it was during this time that the name “BeHeard & BeSeen” was born – a name that encapsulated the essence of what we were doing.

From that moment, we continued to take the camera to various locations and recorded the stories of individuals experiencing homelessness. As we listened to their experiences, we repeatedly heard a common theme: the lack of access to showers. Shockingly, some people we met hadn’t had a shower in three months. This realization drove me to research mobile shower trailers. Several months later, through the generosity of a local church, we secured the funds to purchase our first shower trailer.

Fast forward to today, and the BeHeard Movement has blossomed. We now boast a mobile shower trailer, a laundry trailer, a clothing trailer, a barbershop bus, and a dedicated case management team. This journey has been an incredible one, marked by challenges and triumphs. We recently celebrated our three-year anniversary, and the impact we’ve been able to make in the lives of those experiencing homelessness is immeasurable. The BeHeard Movement is a testament to the power of community and compassion, a way to ensure that the voices of the unhoused are heard, and their dignity and humanity recognized.

Evan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m the founder of BeHeard Movement, and my journey into this field was born out of a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. Our organization’s mission is to provide vital services and resources to underserved areas, particularly the east side of Tulsa.

What sets BeHeard Movement apart is our comprehensive approach. We recognized a critical need for services that weren’t easily accessible, especially in the east Tulsa region. So, we took the initiative to open the first drop-in center in this area. We offer a range of services including mobile showers through a shower trailer, laundry services via a laundry trailer, clothing distribution from a clothing trailer, haircuts through a barbershop bus, and dedicated case management.

Our goal is to increase access to basic needs and resources, particularly for those who face the challenge of homelessness. The impact of our work cannot be overstated. In a community where the nearest shelter and shower might be a five-hour walk away, we now provide daily drop-in services right in their neighborhood. By offering these services, we serve as the front door that allows individuals to start their journey out of homelessness.

I’m immensely proud of the work we’ve done to bring essential services to those who need them most. Our commitment to radical hospitality and extraordinary care is at the core of everything we do. We want people to know that we are not just another organization but a movement, powered by compassion and dedicated to improving the lives of our unhoused neighbors. Our work is a testament to the positive change that can be achieved when communities come together to support those who need it most.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Certainly, here’s a story from my journey that illustrates my resilience:

I grew up in a challenging environment, with divorced parents and the tragic loss of my cousin to violence. During my high school years, I lived with my grandmother, and this period of my life was marked by significant adversity. However, it was precisely during these difficult times as a teenager that I developed a profound sense of strength and compassion for others.

These experiences laid the foundation for my journey with BeHeard Movement. Today, I have the privilege of meeting people who have been homeless for years due to a range of factors, including health issues, job loss, and trauma. I’ve had the honor of being a listening ear for them, providing a space for them to share their stories and their needs.

When BeHeard first started, the unhoused individuals we encountered expressed a simple yet profound need – the need for a shower. We listened attentively to their voices, and because of that, we understood how to meet this fundamental need. We took action, and today, we provide mobile showers, along with many other essential services, to those who need them the most.

This journey reminds me that our purpose is often a solution to a problem. It’s a reminder not to give up, even in the face of challenges. Imagine if we had stopped or allowed obstacles to deter us – countless individuals would have never had the opportunity to experience the simple dignity of a shower. My life experiences have shown me that resilience, compassion, and determination can drive positive change in the world, and I’m deeply committed to continuing this important work with BeHeard Movement. It’s a testament to the idea that nothing should stand in the way of fulfilling your purpose and making a difference in the lives of others.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

BeHeard Movement owes its existence to the incredible support of generous individuals and organizations. When it comes to funding, we firmly believe that it truly takes a village. The initial capital needed to start our business, and to sustain it over time, was made possible through the sacrificial giving of many.

One of the cornerstones of our funding model is the incredible support of families who sponsor one shower a month for just $10. This grassroots approach has allowed us to connect with the broader community and create a meaningful impact. It’s not uncommon to find families who sponsor 10 or more showers each month. With the demand for around 400 showers monthly, this kind of community support is not only impactful but also vital to our operations.

Additionally, BeHeard Movement received generous donations from key partners. United Way’s contribution of $100,000 and Transformation Church’s support of $50,000 were instrumental in helping us acquire our first shower trailer. These collaborations highlight the power of collective efforts in making a difference. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has been a part of our journey and shared in our mission to serve the unhoused community. It truly showcases the strength of a community coming together to address important social challenges.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.beheardmovement.com
• Instagram: beheard.mvmt
• Facebook: beheard.mvmt