ORLANDO, Fla. – Hair care professional, Merina Gray, is this week's Getting Results Award winner. Gray was nominated by friend and client Yvette Hemkes because she volunteers at Lake Eola Park giving free haircuts to the homeless.
"She works really hard using her own money and some donations," Hemkes said. "She deserves to be recognized."
A crowd gathers every Monday afternoon along the brick-lined Eola Drive. Twenty to 30 people patiently wait for the white van stocked with clothes, blankets, hygiene products to arrive.
Gray pulls into one of the few spots available and quickly unpacks her portable studio. Moments later the sound of electric clippers excites the crowd.
[How to nominate someone: Submit your Getting Results nominee here]
"We want to utilize our talents as much as we can," Gray said as she ran a No. 2 guard through the hair of a man who goes by the name Felix. "This is one way we can make a difference. This helps them get jobs, it helps them feel better about themselves."
Gray has been cutting hair professionally since 1988, her and a group of volunteers spend the next two hours helping as many men and women as they can. It all happens right on the street.
"Parking spots are (for) two hours so we have to really move quick," she said.
Jerry Thompson takes his place in line, like many waiting for a haircut he wants something low maintenance
"I like the bald head," he said. "It's kind of rough sometimes being able to afford a haircut."
Everyone who goes to Gray has a unique story for how they ended up on the street. Thompson said it will take a kept look to help him find the job he'll need to get off of it.
"A haircut is a big deal," he said. "If you're trying to get yourself together out here filling out applications or talking to anybody, you want to look halfway decent."
Gray said her faith led her here.
"I think it's a nice thing, but there are a lot of people doing nice things," she said.
After a year of volunteering, Gray said she considers many of the people at Lake Eola her friends. They share stories while sitting in a folding chair, cars rumble by feet away.