Former homeless man gives back to those in need

Jordan Knapp exemplifies the saying “Pay it Forward” because after he was helped off the streets, he now gives to those homeless this winter.

The Lincoln man received a helping hand years ago, and now he chooses to collect coats for Lincoln’s homeless.

He remembers back to when he was young, his family received help from the People’s City Mission years ago.

“Moved here with my dad and my brothers and sisters,” said Knapp. “We didn’t really have a place to go, we were just staying kinda in our car, showering at the rest stops, stuff like that. Then we found out the mission was offering clothes and shelter and food so we kind of gravitated over there.” 

The mission helped his father find a job and the family found a home.

Since then, Knapp is a UNL graduate, works as a clinical assistant, and plans to go to medical school.

He adds even though he volunteered with his brother, at the city mission, a shocking event made him want to do more.

“A gentleman, he froze to death under one of the bridges,” said Knapp. “So, we were coming home that day and they were taking him from under the bridge. We realized as much as we’re doing there’s still more we can do.” 

They started collecting warm clothes for the homeless six years ago and this year, it continues.

Last year, his workplace, Alivation, gave $5,000 to his cause.

“They actually presented me a check for $5000, straight to the People City Mission, which is amazing because the men’s part of the mission had ran out of gloves,” added Knapp. So, now we had this $5000 check, we were able to buy a bunch of gloves.”

Knapp is at it again this year, collecting warm clothing for the homeless. It’s called  Keep Out the Cold and it will have basins like this one around Lincoln for the public to put in used or new coats, hats and gloves.

“Everyone is responsible for helping someone in need, that’s just part of the Midwestern spirit,” said Knapp. 

To get involved, contact Jordan.knapp2003@gmail.com or 402-840-8304.