“It’s not morally acceptable to blithely tolerate the signs of destitution.”
– Melissa Myers, Founder of Kindness & Hope organization
Melissa Myers is living a full life, loving and living in Los Angeles. What distinguishes her, however, is that she chooses not to turn a blind eye to the less fortunate.
The Problem
Los Angles is the home to the stars, but, sadly, it also has a vast number of homeless people. Unfortunately, this number is increasing every year. Melissa points out that a lot of this homeless population consists of African-Americans, teenagers, disabled persons, veterans, and women.
Melissa wonders how long people can ignore this appalling situation. “We cannot go on shutting our windows to beggars at freeway off-ramps or stepping casually over men and women curled up in sleeping bags,” she asserts. Similarly, turning away people who have no access to public bathrooms is lamentable.
How Melissa is Making a Difference
Melissa understands that little things add up to big benefits for the homeless. “I am trying to ensure that the homeless have the basics like you and me, such as underwear and tampons…the basics we take for granted,” points out Melissa.
“I do care packages containing these basic essentials and deliver these care packages on my bike,” says Melissa. Notably, these packages not only contain essential items, but also a sweet surprise. “Whether it’s money, food, blankets, clothes, toiletries…whatever anyone can do to help, is always appreciated by those on the streets,” affirms Melissa.
Going a Step Ahead
Melissa is currently creating a hard-hitting documentary titled Homeless in the City of Angels that brings to light the challenges faced by people living on the streets. With this documentary, Melissa is trying to convey a poignant message: imagine if everyone gave up on you.
Melissa is the vision behind many non-profit organizations. Especially relevant is her work with campaigns such as Country Cures, Safe Passage, Interfaith Sanctuary, Reach to Recovery, No Kid Hungry, Wounded Warrior Project, and Welcome Home Project.
Melissa is striving to change the world, and you can join her too. “Each and every one of us can help spark change; regardless of how small that change may be, it’s a step in the right direction,” asserts Melissa.
