A Bottle of Water and a Bag of Chips, but It Still Didn’t Feel Like Enough
Recently, I saw a homeless young man while I was out. He couldn’t have been more than 24. It was one of those brutally hot days where just standing outside felt exhausting. My sister and I gave him some water and a bag of chips. It was something small, but we hoped it helped in that moment. Still, I couldn't stop thinking about him after we drove away.
Moments like that stay with me. Seeing someone so young out on the street does something to me. I don’t know his full story or what led him there, but my heart hurt for him. Every time I see a young person without shelter or support, I feel a deep ache in my chest. It makes me think about how important it is to have stability, especially during those early years when life is already hard enough.
The truth is, I speak from experience. There was a period in my childhood when we experienced homelessness too. It wasn’t something I fully understood at the time, but I remember the feeling. The uncertainty. The quiet shame. The exhaustion of not knowing what’s coming next. That experience shaped me. It made me aware of how fragile stability can be and how easy it is to fall through the cracks.
That’s why it hits so hard now when I see young people in that same position. It doesn’t feel fair. It makes me think about how important it is for parents and communities to create safe, stable environments for children. Not just physically, but emotionally too. I say this without judgment because I know life doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes people are doing the best they can. But I still believe we have to do better, especially when it comes to protecting our youth.
As someone building a platform and a brand, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I want to show up in the world. I don’t just want to create content. I want to create change. Eventually, I want to build a program that helps people who want to get off the street. I know not everyone wants help, and I respect that. But for those who do, especially young people, I want to be part of a solution. I want to offer real resources, support, and a path forward.
Even though I don’t have all the answers right now, I know where my heart is, and that’s the first step. I want to use what I’ve been through and what I’m building to reach back and offer something meaningful. No one, especially someone still figuring out life, deserves to be alone in the world without safety, support, or shelter.
Seeing that young man reminded me of why I care so deeply about this. And as I continue to grow and build, I’m holding that moment close. It’s not just about handing someone a snack or a bottle of water. It’s about showing up for people in real ways. It’s about doing what we can, even if it starts small, and working toward something bigger.