KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jose Santa Cruz represents the changing face of homelessness in the metro and across the country. He became nationally known before cancer cost him his kidney and forced him to sell everything he had, including what he loved the most, his camera equipment. He’s lived at the Kansas City Rescue Mission for the past three months. And after FOX 4’s first story about this talented photographer aired, viewers have sent emails wanting to help Santa Cruz.
To read the initial story about Santa Cruz click here.
“The thing about Jose is, he’s very motivated, so he’s going to move himself forward if someone gives him the opportunity, and that’s the key, he just needs opportunity,” said Mary Blackmore with the Kansas City Rescue Mission.
Santa Cruz has received calls about photography equipment, studio space, job opportunities and more in the 24 hours since his story aired on FOX 4.
“It just truly moved me,” Santa Cruz said. “I just got a call couple of minutes ago about someone who had camera and wanted to give it to me.”
Santa Cruz now has a professional quality camera, lens and equipment once again.
“I just couldn’t let it go like that,” said photographer John Florez.
Florez said his image of the face of homelessness has changed since seeing Santa Cruz’s story. Santa Cruz said the outpouring of compassion has changed his life and he hopes he can help change other people’s perspectives about being homeless.
“It just gives you new understanding of Christianity, humanity, and all good things that can come out of a human being,” he said.
If you’d like to help Santa Cruz, you can call the Kansas City Rescue Mission at (816) 421 7643 or email Jose at jsanta_cruzp@yahoo.com.
