Annual charity event aids the homeless, struggling | Community Spirit

Pierre Borsh waited a long time.

He, along with so many others who don't have a home, got a little help at the annual Surviving the Streets giveaway at the Pioneer Square office of Real Change newspaper, which helps the homeless and low-income individuals.

Most days, Borsh sells Real Change in West Seattle. Most nights, he's asleep on a street. He may be homeless, but he's not hopeless.

"Sometimes it's good to experience the low end, but try not to stay there for too long of a time. Work your way up," he said.

Borsh admits he made mistakes; he was convicted of armed robbery and served time in prison. Now, he's grateful he's not locked up.

"I'm thankful for the sleeping bag and all the different things I have here, and I'm thankful for my freedom," he said.

This annual giveaway began 13 years ago. And its small giveaways like gloves and socks can mean so much to their recipients.

"My dad had said to me many years ago that the most important thing is to treat somebody like you want to be treated," said co-founder Patti Dunn.

The event's organizers believe they helped at l;east 200 people. They hope to expand the event in the coming years so that they can help even more people.

Borsh, too, is hoping for bigger and brighter days. He says he's faced hard times, but he hasn't seen the end.

"No, it's not; this is the beginning -- the beginning of a good future," he said.