Day of Dignity 'a blessing' to Portland's homeless.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Chrissy Largin is 14 days sober from fentanyl. Everyday for her is a milestone in her journey to reunite with her loved ones.

She was one of more than 500 people who were served during this Day of Dignity event across the country sponsored by the Islamic Relief USA. The Day of Dignity in Portland included resources for free glasses, hair cuts, food, chiropractic services among many others for the homeless community.

"Portland was picked as one of those places, given our criticality in serving the houseless," said Laila Hajoo, the president of Islamic Social Services of Oregon.

For Largin, something as simple as getting her hair done did so much for her self esteem. She described it as therapeutic.

"It's a blessing, honestly. It really is. You know, the stuff that they're giving out is amazing," she told KOIN 6 News. "If I didn't have the resources out here, I don't know where I'd be. You know, if you would have asked me a month ago where I'd be, I probably would have still been using and waiting for the day I die."

Volunteer Ella Blem said the Day of Dignity is "an incredible way to bond and just connect and talk to people down to earth, one on one."

Another volunteer, Charles Grixgby, has been clean and sober "by the grace of God" for seven years.

"I find it really rewarding to give back to the community by braiding hair," Grixgby said. "Somebody gets heard and they're feeling good. They're happy. You get to impact people's lives."

Organizers said this event is beyond a collaboration with local agencies and volunteers.

"It's not just the giving. It is us receiving," Hajoo said. "You know from them what their story is, what are their problems, how we are doing and things like that."