“It takes a society to combat homelessness, and a strong nation to fight poverty.” – Wayne Chirisa
The Heart Behind Helping Ourselves
Helping Ourselves is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering minorities, low‑income individuals, and underserved communities to become self‑sufficient in every area of life. We believe every person deserves the chance to achieve stability, independence, and success—no matter their background or circumstances.
Our work begins with addressing homelessness in America. Rising housing costs, inflation, and a growing affordability crisis have pushed millions of individuals and families into housing insecurity. At the same time, millions of homes across the country sit vacant. We aim to bridge this gap by bringing communities, organizations, businesses, and individuals together to transform unused housing into safe, stable opportunities for people in need.
But our mission goes far beyond housing. We support community gardens that provide fresh food and local sustainability. We help individuals build self‑employment opportunities and strengthen job skills through training and education. We stand with veterans by offering resources, support, and pathways to stability. And through our food drives and hygiene drives, we ensure families have access to essential items that restore dignity and hope.
America is one of the most prosperous nations in the world. We believe no one should be without a safe place to call home or access to the tools they need to thrive. Through compassion, collaboration, and community action, we are building a future where every person has the opportunity to rise, rebuild, and succeed.
Together, we can create lasting change—one home, one meal, one skill, one life at a time.
Our Journey of Hope
Helping Ourselves was founded by two individuals whose lives were profoundly shaped by homelessness and housing insecurity. Their personal experiences are the heart of our mission and the reason we fight every day to create lasting change for families and individuals facing similar struggles.
One founder experienced homelessness at a young age after the passing of their grandmother. When the family home went into foreclosure, they suddenly had nowhere stable to go. Childhood quickly became a series of challenges and responsibilities far beyond their years. Yet through the kindness of classmates, neighbors, and community members who offered shelter, support, and encouragement, they found stability — and a deeper understanding of what family and community truly mean.
The second founder faced homelessness after their grandfather passed away and the family home had to be sold. Raised by a single mother working multiple jobs to keep the family afloat, they spent years living in motels, extended‑stay facilities, and sometimes even their family vehicle. Without access to affordable housing or reliable support systems, saving for a security deposit or rebuilding financial stability felt impossible. Like so many Americans, they were caught in a cycle of temporary housing that drained resources and limited opportunities.
Although their stories were different, both founders shared the same truth: homelessness is not just a lack of shelter — it is a lack of stability, opportunity, and support. When they met and shared their experiences, they realized they carried the same purpose.
Their conversations sparked a vision: to help others facing the same hardships they once endured. They understood that real change requires compassion, action, and a commitment to serving others. Instead of waiting for someone else to fix the problem, they chose to become part of the solution.
Today, Helping Ourselves stands on the belief that every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and a place to call home. Our founders’ journeys remind us that with community, support, and determination, lives can be transformed. Their mission is to bring people together, strengthen neighborhoods, and create pathways to self‑sufficiency for individuals and families across the nation — and eventually, around the world.
What began as two personal stories of hardship has grown into a movement rooted in hope, empowerment, and lasting change.