Evan Dougoud shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Evan, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Right now, it’s a busy but really fun season my wife and I welcomed our first child just over a month ago! I’m officially a diaper pro now. It’s been the biggest blessing of our lives and has brought so much joy to our days.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Evan Dougoud — and yes, DoGood is really my last name. I grew up in Virginia and eventually moved to Oklahoma, where I met a group of youth experiencing homelessness. I was heartbroken to learn that on their birthdays, their biggest wish was simply to find a shower to stay clean and safe.
After conducting surveys, I discovered that many people hadn’t showered in over three months, and in some parts of the city, the nearest shower or shelter was a 4–5 hour walk away. That reality led me to start BeHeard Movement, which today operates Oklahoma’s only mobile drop-in center. We provide essential services on wheels including showers through a shower trailer, laundry through a laundry trailer, clothing distribution, haircuts from our barbershop bus, case management, mail stations, and phone charging stations all designed to meet people where they are.
Our mission is simple yet powerful to restore dignity and hope, one shower, one conversation, and one person at a time.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
It’s not just a single moment, but an experience that’s shaped me. One of the best quotes I’ve ever heard is, “You can’t control what you’ve been handed, but you can control what you hand back.” That perspective has changed everything for me — especially when it comes to innovation and stepping into this work at a young age. It reminds me that no matter where you start, you have the power to create something meaningful and give back in a way that makes a difference.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t put too much weight on people’s opinions. If you live for their compliments, you’ll eventually die by their criticism.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies our industry tells itself is that grants are the only way to survive. At BeHeard, we’ve focused on building individual recurring giving — and with the help of social media, we’ve seen a significant increase in support from individual donors.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
I think I’d regret not being fully present and enjoying the moment — I’m always dreaming big and focused on making things happen, but I don’t want to miss the beauty of what’s happening right now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://beheardmovement.org/&ved=2ahUKEwjcovuwjYOQAxXNmWoFHc4CNvsQ_Bd6BAhAEAI&opi=89978449&usg=AOvVaw1vCppjnsWQMpmtdFwo8Ibt
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beheard.mvmt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Beheard.mvmt/?ref=bookmarks&_rdr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaA4e3pCbFYmJSgkOcOflxQ
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
