Starbucks Changed My Life: An Open Letter to Howard Schultz

Dear Mr. Schultz,

I was homeless last winter and my gold Starbucks card kept me warm, safe and dry. It also helped me utilize social media to, in very small ways, help the lives other homeless people. I am @From_Nothing on Twitter, and I now have several thousand followers. Being able to access the Internet and tweet with my smart phone, which was paid for by a wonderful friend, while enjoying a warm cup of coffee at Starbucks, was crucial for my survival and eventually helped me end my homelessness.

I imagine that the homeless are a very daunting and sad situation for Starbucks employees and patrons to have to deal with, but in many ways having a safe place to stay helped change my life and the lives of others. I am hoping my story might help you and your team to find positive ways to help the homeless and reduce the negative impact of having homeless people in your stores.

I know from my own experience that the difference between persevering and being lost is sometimes an infinitesimal distinction. Most people don't think their life situation is going to fall apart, and neither did I. But it did.

I wound up on the street and utilizing the local shelter system where I live in Oak Park, IL. It is a temporary set up meant to house the homeless at night. In the mornings we are all forced out in the January cold promptly at 7AM. Fortunately, my first few weeks being homeless I had money remaining on my Starbucks Gold card, so I was able to stay out of the bitter freezing cold. My fellow homeless brethren were not so lucky, and had to wait two hours until the local library opened.

Because I had my Gold card, I was able to stay connected to the mainstream. This proved to be an asset to me, and others in the homeless community. At first, I was just getting by and Tweeting with others who expressed concern and care for me, but ultimately these connections gave me an idea.

As the money was starting to run out on my card, I began to grow very concerned as to how I would stay warm and safe in the mornings. I did not want to continue to come to Starbucks without money to spend. This is my community. I did not want to be removed from the store because I was not a paying customer. It didn't feel right and this was "my" third place long before I was homeless. I did not want my friends and neighbors to know I had no place to go.

When I became homeless I tweeted about all the things that were not available to the homeless that prior to homelessness I assumed must surely be available. As funds were dwindling, I asked my followers for any ideas as to where I could go to stay warm, safe and dry before the library opened. After several days and many tweets, no one ever came up with a single idea where I could go, but eventually one of my followers asked if they could send me a Starbucks card with some money on it. I was hesitant at first, pride and all, but I quickly realized I had no other option. From that moment forward one of my followers has always sent me a card, or refilled my card for me. I never had to spend a moment in the cold while homeless.

By having a place to stay warm I was able to start helping others using the power of Twitter to get things they needed: gift cards, winter boots, eyeglasses and other essential needs, when I asked for my followers to help. I realized that "small things can do great things." The blog post "Steve and His Glasses" and "A Place to Call Their Own" really explain how I was able to use social media to help others in small ways that would greatly change their lives. I now work -- thanks to Starbucks and Twitter -- to show the world how important it is to have a safe place to be and the power that social media has to help create change.

Starbucks changed my life and helps me still change the lives of others by allowing me an Internet connection and a place to have a meeting with someone in need, or who wants to help those in need. I would love to see this goodwill work for others, and would like to propose that Starbucks work with leaders in the homeless community to find more solutions that can make a difference. I know work is already being done, such as donating old pastries to local shelters. I think we can do more, especially if we harness the power of technology.

I really can imagine you and your team could come up with many far more interesting, impactful and mutually beneficial ideas than I possibly could. I'm just writing so you'll know the important role you've played in my life, and let you know that there is a growing community of other customers who are willing and able to keep the momentum going. In fact, I've started a Change.org petition so that people who want to help can take action too. I know together we can help keep the homeless off the street and direct them to better resources, and people like me, to help them get out of their plight.

Peace,
Revolution MacInnes
Oak Park, IL

 

Follow Revolution MacInnes on Twitter: www.twitter.com/From_Nothing

Comments

[bwormley]

03:48 PM on 10/22/2011

In this economy, there are so many people that have lost everything that they have worked hard for, forcing them into homelessness. Unfortunately, the stereotype of the mentally impaired, drug-pheening homeless deteriorates any notion that some homeless are not drug-addicts or suffer from schizophrenia. In fact, many are normal, contributing members of society and, unfortunately, society has turned their backs on them. Rev MacInnes is trying to get society to lend a helping hand so that those who have hit rock bottom due to uncontrollable circumstances can get back up on their feet. Like Rev says, "Small things do great things." Sometimes, it really is just a small thing that someone can do to help another person in need regain control of their lives. Little things like re-filling a Starbucks card or giving someone a pair of glasses facilitates job searches and the ability to work. Rev is doing great things and I cannot wait to be a part of his future projects!

[patlgreen]

05:09 PM on 10/18/2011

I am a pastor of a small church in the Chicago area and founder of a youth outreach. Revolution MacInnes has been instrumental in helping me with the teens and young adults in my world...some of which are homeless by their own right. I earnestly hope that Starbucks takes heed of this article and commits to making a difference. The last year of knowing Rev has been a year of learning for me. It is easy to judge from a place of ignorance and claim your educated on matters, it is another when you meet someone across a table and become friends. He is a friend and I stand with him on this.

[angelshalo321]

01:32 PM on 10/19/2011

PASTOR-----KIDS---PEOPLE WHO ARE HOMELESS SHOULD BE LEARNING A TRADE IS WHERE THE JOBS ARE TODAY FOR THEM...IS HARD FOR A 55 YEAR OLD PERSON WHO LOSS THEIR JOB TO LEARN A NEW TRADE IS HARD FOR THEM..BUT KIDS IN SCHOOL SHOULD BE LEARNING A TRADE INSTEAD OF SEX EDUCATION----SCHOOLS SHOULD BE TEACHING ROOFING---ELECTRICIAN JOBS----MECHANIC----

[Lee Barry]

08:27 AM on 10/18/2011

I hope this is a catalyst for increasing corporate good will. They should give you a column!

[kristinesocall]

03:03 AM on 10/17/2011

My (in real life) friend, Rev MacInnes, put his story out there for all to see - and I am DEEPLY saddened at the ignorance of many who have little factually-based understanding about the subject of homelessness, poverty, the current difficulty in finding a job (even with master's degree, phone, housing and transportation). Many of the perceptions of homelessness are based on ignorant judgment and not actual real life stories, facts or research. As someone who works in the nonprofit industry with a graduate degree, I am overwhelmed at the amount of educated, intelligent, hard-working, non-addicts who are "homeless" for a variety of reasons which are not so easily overcome-able. Yet, the stereotypes persist that homeless people are not any of those things. But, I am also VERY encouraged to know that my friend's true story has inspired others, given them hope and generated so much discussion about homelessness.

[franw521]

03:31 PM on 10/20/2011

kudos for you kristinesocall, ( & rev) !!! so many people have an obviously narrow range of reference, especially when it comes to a life occurence outside of themselves. in the past few years, homelessness has affected so many levels of society & education levels. i am a professional in the medical industry, & we see so many people of all walks of life...homeless. some by choice & some by fate. for those people that are negative about what is or isnt being done for the homeless...ask yourself WHAT YOU HAVE DONE, or could do. &...if you are so upset with the situation... tell us YOUR solution. SOMETIMES THE BIGGEST PART OF THE PROBLEM IS NOT THE PROBLEM...but, NOT BECOMING A POSITIVE PART OF THE ANSWER.

[nwhepcat]

09:26 PM on 10/16/2011

I see this article has gained enough traction that it's getting doubters and trolls. The people who dismiss this out of hand do, I think, because it's a story that doesn't fit in their narrative of what homelessness must be like, so it "must not be true." But it's a very similar story to the experience of a woman in an online community I'm involved in. She had all but abandoned her blog, then started posting again about her experience of losing her apartment and living much the way you describe. She'd belonged to this community for years and was admired for her stories, so people were glad to help keep her card filled send money for her other needs. She was finally able to move into a more permanent shelter, so the daily scramble to find a bed for the night and a place to be in the morning is over. I still worry about her, though -- she hasn't posted since she was getting settled in. I'm just glad she felt able to let us know what was going on, and let us do what we could to make life a little better. And I'm grateful to Starbucks for giving her that home base that let her do so.

So your story rings true to me, and I'm glad that you also had friends who could help you get by. And I'm thrilled that you have this platform to give voice to those who don't often have it.

[ChiTownGirl]

05:26 PM on 10/16/2011

What a wonderful and inspirational story!

I'm glad to see you are moving forward to assist and inspire others. I believe Starbucks does plan to help support the '1%' within each Starbuck cafe`s community.

And I will definitely support your efforts by signing the petition, and posting your story via the power of social media.

[lauravoice]

10:07 AM on 10/16/2011

Kindness saves lives. It does not have to be a huge financial donation, although that is fantastic. Sometimes just smiling at someone to acknowledge that you see them is enough to save a life.

You can save a life today, smile at someone, I promise it is not a waste even if they don't smile back. Sometimes you don't know the chain of good events you can cause. That person will smile at someone else, and you are creating a good chain of events. You can make a homeless person feel like they can pick up the pieces of their heart, you can smile at a person who was just contemplating suicide, and they can change their mind. You can smile at someone and they know they are seen and appreciated, and they can decide to grow up and become a Doctor. You can smile at someone who is angry, and it lifts from them.

Those of us who are waiters, cab drivers, teachers, beauticians, Moms, Dads, and so on we are all healers of souls. Smile and save a life today!!!

[lauravoice]

09:56 AM on 10/16/2011

I love this article!! The love of my life broke up with me, I lost my business, and I have been feeling like I will die soon. I had been going to Boarders to get a little relief from isolation, but it did not really do much for me. When Boarders closed, I had no where to go but Starbucks.

I was afraid to go to Starbucks because it looked like a snob hangout. However I was wrong. The second time I went there, Andy, a waiter remembered my name and greeted me like I was his Mom. I was surprised and felt like crying.

Then a few young people sat down with me and started telling me all about their college classes, and their families and so on.

I did not know that a cup of hot coco could lead to emotional healing and the sense of belonging.

Starbucks is more that a coffee place. It is an Oasis. I am grateful for this sweet spot in time.

[edko426]

09:04 AM on 10/16/2011

I like the Starbucks at the end of the C concourse at O'Hare airport. I've spent a lot of time there waiting on stand by. Anyone know it?

[edko426]

09:02 AM on 10/16/2011

Is this for real? If so its a wonderful story. But it doesnt add up. This guy obviously sounds well educated from the way in which he writes. HOW then did he become homeless.
I know a lot of people are unemployed now, but homeless? And who is refulling his card from Twitter?
A lot of this just doesnt add up. And why is a "homeless guy" going to Starbucks instead of McDonalds? What???

[franw521]

11:12 AM on 10/16/2011

it totally can make sense !! there are soooo many extremely rich people who are not rich anymore. all work types & education levels have been affected. im an rn & work at a large hospital organization. for the most part, as an rn, our jobs havent been so affected, but the hospital has still gone under cutbacks. we are now, at times working with less staff, barely a chance of overtime, etc. i also teach nursing at a local college, our instructors, for just the nsg dept, have been cut to about 50%. the students come from all walks of life. right now the are 2 gentlemen in my class that were engineers, have been laid off, & cant find jobs. there are people being 'forced' into early retirement re cutbacks.

starbucks provides 'internet cafe' services, plus, the potential to find a higher level career connection is much greater. thank goodness, this man didnt give up & let the govt support him, which with his background & apparent education level would have been so contrary to his normal way of living. he is planning, troubleshooting, connecting with others, reaching out to inspire others to keep going, & 'give' whenever or however you can. kudos. a very positive attitude & effort for the position he is now in. kudos & success to him.

[crom14]

03:49 PM on 10/16/2011

For sure! Just went to a friends 60th Birthday party, we could not believe how many guest had lost long time great jobs, it was startling and sad. The loss and pain was obvious.

[Jose A Ibarra]

10:37 PM on 10/16/2011

Being educated isn't some sort of silver bullet to having basic needs.

Anyone of any education from any walk of life can wind up homeless.

The fact this seems unbelievable to you shows how most people really have no idea what poverty in America is like at all.

[FanFare57]

05:39 PM on 10/15/2011

I find this article interesting. I just don't understand why this guy didn't ask his favorite Starbucks (or any other establishment that's open early) if he could sweep the floors, do manual labor, etc. in order to stay inside AND possibly earn a little money to help his situation. Instead, he preferred trolling for gift cards from strangers and sending out tweets. That's not very inventive, unless he's "Maynard G. Krebs".

[mothergrace]

06:37 PM on 10/15/2011

I have read of others using Starbucks in this way and the main goal is to be as circumspect as possible. Homeless people are a mixed bag and many made homeless in the last two years from widespread extraordinary conditions are acutely aware of how vulnerable they are and often take pains to not let people around them know they are homeless in a situation such as this.

Looking for small jobs would be reserved for other locations keeping Starbucks as a haven, separate and apart.

[franw521]

11:17 AM on 10/16/2011

...maybe union limitations & requirements ??

[crom14]

02:46 PM on 10/15/2011

I will never be the same after reading your article. Peace to you.

[lukedude27]

09:18 PM on 10/14/2011

Where was this person homeless at? All the homless people around here hang out at the liquor store. Habib has to keep running them off. But go figure he sells cigaretts for 25cents apeice though. Must be a love hate relationship.

[charluvsdisney]

07:59 PM on 10/14/2011

Why do they close shelters at 7am ESPECIALLY in the winter? It makes no sense.

[wilmeyer99]

08:01 AM on 10/15/2011

That's a good question. I live in New Haven, CT. Same thing here. There must be a reason.

[franw521]

11:34 AM on 10/16/2011

because, there are only hundreds of shelter beds in a city/community available, & thousands of people on the streets. shelters are 'free', some shelters may get some funding (very little), but most operate by private donations. because the homeless are familiar with 'shelter living", they know that its typically, check in at 5pm. get food, shower, bed, for the nite & check out at 7am. not ideal, but, its short-term, equal opportunity assistance, for the lg #'s of people that need it. everyone has to restart the next day to apply for a rm for the nite. for some, it also 'encourages' them to find their way bac into life, to improve their situation, & not to just rely on the immediate handout. this economy has not been very 'nice' for a lot of people, & even much worse for others.

its been said, we shouldnt be just looking at the problem, but SEEKING THE SOLUTION.... who has a better answer......? our communities need to hear it.

[PunKinPai]

02:49 PM on 10/17/2011

So the extra two hours between 7:00 and 9:00 AM would overly burden the shelters and discourage the residents from improving their situation? I really wasn't aware that freezing your feet, fingers and nose would lead to a job.

[Sammie721]

07:46 PM on 10/14/2011

It changed my life too! Over three months ago, while my son was visiting from out of state, we went for coffee at Starbucks! Which mind you was my favorite coffee place, and the only coffee I drank! After getting our coffee, we went outside to sit....I took a few steps out the door and the next thing I knew I was on the ground on my knees! I had fell so hard and sprained my foot so severely [ it was twisted so bad under me, I thought it was broke ] Needless to say, from where I fell you could not see the curb at all ! No one came out to see if I was alright, they looked over and then away! My foot is actually still in a healing phase....this is how long it has taken to heal! Every ligament and tendon was torn [ my x-ray showed no broken bones or fractures, just everything torn ] ! The pain was so insane....but to make matters worst, that blood sucking Starbucks has such lousy employees, that they could care less if someone was stabbed and left for dead! I hate Starbucks now !, and yes, I do blame them for what happened! The blinding curb should be painted neon yellow, as many good businesses do! I now drink Dunkin' Donuts coffee, and guess what? It is way better than Starbucks!

[wilmeyer99]

08:07 AM on 10/15/2011

That's nasty for them not to even acknowledge you laying there. I hope you get a pound of flesh from them.

As for Dunkin Donuts, the coffee is okay if you like drinking dishwater. I just can't bring myself to drink it UNLESS they put a "turbo shot" in it. But still weak and not so good if you ask me. If I were you I'd just find another Starbucks.

[outlawjames8]

01:18 PM on 10/15/2011

There's always someone else to blame. Maybe the low paid employees were doing their job. Why don't you ask about the patrons who were sitting there drinking Joe and watching you, or the passerby's that did nothing? It's so easy to vilify the company as a whole for your misfortune.