Hot dogs for the homeless

I've written plenty of stories about people reaching out to Oklahoma City's homeless. There are so many Oklahomans with warm hearts, who've made it their mission to help people who are living on the street. But there is something different about the "Hot Dog Man".

Every Sunday Rick Swyden feeds the homeless a hot dog lunch. He's been doing it for more than 5 years, and he's only missed a handful of Sunday's. He's dedicated and determined to make a difference in these people's lives. And Rick always says, it's not about the hot dog.

It's like he's using the food as a way to talk to the people downtown. And many times, it's not even talking that he does. He feels that so many of these men and women who have no home, also have no one who will listen, and no human contact. And that's what you'll see him doing after the hot dog lunch; Rick puts his arm around many of these people's shoulders, and truly cares. It's no wonder that he's played a role in about 30 people's lives who are now off the street. And it all started with a hot dog.

Rick Swyden is truly and inspiration. And he, a long with the volunteers who help him, are definitely making a difference.

Rick has a website. Check it out at www.hotdogsforthehomeless.com.