When you woke up this morning, you probably put on a new pair of underwear, right? This may seem like a simple action, but it is a luxury many Americans do not have.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, for every 10,000 Americans, 18.3 are homeless. While many are aware of homelessness in our country, most do not understand its severity.
MOST REQUESTED ITEM
“When I was doing some research, I learned that socks and underwear are requested the most throughout homeless shelters,” said J.D. Hornberger, founder of the MOCS brand. Hornberger graduate from Biola University in 1984 with a degree in business.
MOCS, which stands for Measure of Character and Style, is a line of underwear with an overall mission of giving. For each item of clothing someone purchases from the company, a set of underwear is donated to homeless shelters across the nation. In addition, all items are made in the United States by workers who are mentally and physically challenged.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The idea for the company came to Hornberger about two years ago when he and his son visited Skid Row and bring the homeless donuts, coffee, socks and underwear.
“I was struck by a strong feeling that I could do something about this,” Hornberger said, “I felt that I could make a difference in the lives of those in need.”
Two months later, he officially launched the MOCS brand. Since fundraising began at the beginning of August, MOCS has had nearly 250 supporters, raising more than $40,000 to provide underwear for homeless Americans.
The financial goal to provide the underwear has recently been met, allowing the company to start the manufacturing and distribution of 1,200 sets of clothing to homeless Americans by the end of October. However, Hornberger is not stopping anytime soon.
“My goal for the next year is to provide at least 200,000 sets of clothing to homeless shelters throughout the United States,” Hornberger said.
LIVING OUT MY FAITH
He attributes his inspiration to a Mother Teresa quote, “At the end of our lives, we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made or how many great things we have done. We will be judged by ‘I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless and you took me in.” This Matthew 25:35 reference provides his foundation for pursuing this new company.
“I want to go out and do what Jesus calls us to do,” Hornberger said, “and this is me living out my faith.”
MOCS is designed to provide everyone with an opportunity to contribute. From buying clothing to simply donating to MOCS, anyone can impact the lives of homeless communities across the nation.
Ultimately, Hornberger and and his company want to inspire their customers through providing underwear sets to homeless shelters.
“We want to really inspire people to give back in the simplest way,” Hornberger said, “and that can be done by just buying a pair of underwear.”
The underwear is manufactured in the United States with a high quality blend of cotton, rayon, and spandex, and costs between $22 and $32 per pair.
“By changing your underwear, you can change the lives of those who need it most,” Hornberger said.
