Dignity & Drip: All Smiles and Laughs Making Hope Fashionable For Dallas Homeless
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Dignity & Drip: All Smiles and Laughs Making Hope Fashionable For Dallas Homeless

Dignity & Drip: All Smiles and Laughs Making Hope Fashionable For Dallas Homeless 1

Homelessness has been a complex issue that has, for years, impacted cities across the United States, and Dallas is no exception. The uptick in housing insecurity across the country has been driven by a set of multifaceted and paralleling issues, from rising housing costs and stagnant wages, to the lack of affordable healthcare and a growing mental health crisis across the country. While some individuals experience homelessness due to domestic violence, job loss, or unforeseen circumstances, leaving them with no choice but to take residence on the streets. 

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The Invisible Affront: How Homelessness Strips Away Dignity

While organizations like Dallas Life work to provide shelter and city of Dallas committee initiatives such as ForwardDallas look to revamp the structures around land-use to impact affordable housing, one important aspect  seems to be missing from the plethora of piece-part solutions. 

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Photo: Dylan Hollingsworth, Dallas Observer

Homelessness isn’t just about the lack of a roof over one’s head. It’s a constant assault on human dignity, chipping away at the fundamental sense of self-worth and respect everyone deserves. A 2009 study conducted by child adolescent psychiatrists Dr. Elizabeth Votta and Dr. Susan Farrell found that homeless youth struggled more than housed youth. They reported lower self-esteem, more suicidal thoughts, and felt they received less support from their parents. 

First, for those experiencing homelessness, basic needs like hygiene and privacy become luxuries. Next, society often views homelessness as a moral failing, creating a stigma that isolates individuals and makes them feel invisible. Then, the constant struggle for safety is another major factor impacting dignity. Finally, homelessness often leads to fractured relationships with family and friends, stripping individuals of a sense of belonging. 

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Beyond Bricks and Mortar: Making Hope Fashionable

While providing shelter is crucial, addressing the loss of dignity requires a more holistic approach. Dallas-based clothing company, All Smiles and Laughs, has made it their mission to help to address this gap while spreading positivity. The 5-year old lifestyle brand, founded by Ramone Moore isn’t just about trendy tees and comfy hoodies. Moore is infusing their threads with purpose, with a mission to spread joy and rebuild dignity for those experiencing homelessness in the city.

All Smiles and Laughs isn’t the average 2024 clothing brand – buying sections while selling $100 t-shirts and $97 bucket hats. Their simple and clean designs, featuring positive messages, are meant to spark joy – both for the wearer and those in need. With every new collection launch, All Smiles and Laughs donates a portion of the proceeds to local homeless shelters and outreach programs.

“Laughing and Smiling Makes You Life Longer”

Dallas Weekly talks with Ramone Moore about how All Smiles and Laughs gives back with new merchandise for the homeless, giving them “Dignity and Drip”

“A long time ago…I heard that it [make] you live longer, that laughing and smiling, it [make] you live longer,” says Moore. “It’s about giving people a different viewpoint or outlook on life while dealing with challenges…or just having that resilience.”

Ramone says that it was important to him to donate new clothes to shelters and outreach programs for  individuals struggling with homelessness. “I would wash the clothes [up] to get ready to donate. But only things I would wear myself,” says Ramone concerning the quality of the items donated. For Moore, this not only means providing crucial clothing items, but also the opportunity for people to choose clothing that reflects their personality and helps them feel good about themselves.

“Homelessness is no different than any other hardship in life. We all have our highs and lows. Some people’s highs look different as well as some people’s lows look different.” By addressing the factors that erode dignity, we can help those experiencing homelessness regain a sense of self-worth and empowerment. This, in turn, becomes a stepping stone towards achieving self-sufficiency and ultimately breaking the cycle of homelessness.

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A Glimpse into the Numbers

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Dallas-based clothing line All Smiles and Laughs | Photo: Marlissa Collier

While recent statistics offer a glimmer of hope, the struggle to find permanent housing for those experiencing housing insecurity remains significant. The 2022 Point-in-Time Homeless Count found a total of 4,410 individuals experiencing homelessness in Dallas and Collin Counties, with almost 4,000 in Dallas County alone. This represents a 4% decrease from previous years, indicating some progress. However, the number of people experiencing chronic homelessness – defined as experiencing homelessness for a year or more – has actually increased. Additionally, the true number of homeless individuals might be higher due to the inherent difficulties in accurately counting a transient population.

While point-in-time counts are a valuable tool for planning homeless services, some argue they underestimate the true scope of the problem. A report by the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, titled “Don’t Count On It,” highlights these limitations. The report acknowledges the effort involved but argues that “the counts are severely flawed” due to methodological limitations.

One key criticism is that the methods prescribed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) lead to undercounting. The report cites a 2001 study that used data from homeless service providers to estimate a homeless population 2.5 to 10.2 times larger than what point-in-time counts capture. This suggests the official numbers may significantly underestimate the number of people experiencing homelessness.

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All Smiles and Laughs founder Ramone Moore and partner Taylor Gay | Photo: Marlissa Collier

Building Bridges, Not Just Wardrobes

Still, all Smiles and Laughs go beyond providing physical resources. They already partner with local shelters to volunteer their time and organize back to school events. This allows them to connect with the community they’re supporting, fostering a sense of connection and reminding those experiencing homelessness that they are seen and valued.

Moore says he wants the impact of All Smiles and Laughs to expand. “I feel like as long as you’re doing it with good intent, that’s what really matters.” The commitment to social responsibility and positivity has resonated with customers in Dallas already, as fans are falling in love with their positive designs and appreciate the brand’s dedication to making a difference with a smile.

All Laughs and Smiles is proving that fashion can be a force for good. By combining clean styles with a social conscience, they’re not just selling clothes, they’re making hope and a sense of dignity fashionable for those who need it most. As they continue to grow, All Smiles and Laughs is committed to expanding their charitable efforts and inspiring others to use their platform to make a positive impact.

This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.

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