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Mental Health Association helping the homeless

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TULSA — Mental Health Association Oklahoma has a program that helps people experiencing homelessness.

They've changed many lives, especially David Munnari's.

"It's a big change, after living outside it's a big change," said Munnari. "But I like it, it's helped me a lot."

David Munnari started using drugs at age 13.

He got clean 15 years ago but then became homeless.

David says that's when Zach Boyd came into his life.

As part of his work with Mental Health Association Oklahoma, Zach visited every week, bringing David whatever he needed.

"The people, yea they care about you," said Munnari. "They go above and beyond to help you."

Zach now manages to get a home for the homeless.

But he was once on the street.

I think I have a unique perspective and I can communicate with folks who are experiencing homelessness," said Boyd. "I can talk to them on their level and I can come back and do a pretty good job."

Zach says this program is different from others because it uniquely treats each person.

"They have all been through so much and they are individuals with individual stories," said Boyd. "Building a rapport, everybody wants to be known they want someone who will truly listen and not just pretend to listen and blow smoke."

If it wasn't for Zach, David says he wouldn't be here.

"As I said for years I didn't want to come in," said Boyd. "Zach would never give up on me he kept pushing and kept pushing."

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