Miriam Haregot, on reaching the significant age of 21 years, chose to forgo the allure of traditional festivities for her birthday and instead dedicated herself to a meaningful cause.
Breaking away from the conventional celebrations typically associated with turning 21, the Los Angeles resident opted for a more impactful milestone in combating homelessness.
Rather than heading to Las Vegas or engaging in usual revelries, Haregot embarked on a mission to renovate and establish a homeless shelter.
Now 25, Haregot’s motivation, as she expressed at the time, lies in providing people with a sense of humanity in a world that often lacks it.
“It’s good to be the change you want to see,” she noted after successfully completing the shelter’s renovation. Subsequently, she initiated the P.A.C.K. Project, standing for People Advocating Community Kinship.
Comprising entrepreneurs, creatives, and young individuals from South Central, the P.A.C.K. Project has a clear mission: to provide food, housing, and educational programs to the homeless and at-promise youth. Haregot revealed to FOX 11 that their outreach extends to Skid Row, where they organize a monthly initiative called “Feed The Homies,” offering hot meals to the homeless population.
In a reaction to the resurfacing of her selfless story recently, Miriam Haregot offered the following clarification:
“Thank you for bringing attention to this ! I would like to clarify that, at present, I am 25 years old, and the mentioned shelter is managed by my uncle’s tenant—an esteemed nonprofit organization engaged in commendable endeavors. Collaboratively, my uncle and I undertake property conversions to provide suitable homes for non-profits to carry out their operations effectively. Holla at me ! Ahhh, thank u again much love 🫶🏾”
According to her, the said non-profit has requested for their info not to be made public.
In a broader context, the city of Los Angeles recently hosted mayors from across the country for a two-day conference addressing the homelessness crisis.
Led by Mayor #KarenBass, the U.S. Conference of Mayors underscored the urgency of implementing a national strategy and securing increased federal support. Various mayors, including Hillary Schieve of Reno, emphasized the multifaceted nature of the crisis, involving mental health and addiction.
Advocating for federal action, they highlighted the need for 7 million affordable housing units and addressed the alarming loss of 10,000-15,000 units daily. The mayors are planning a trip to Washington, D.C., in January, urging increased housing vouchers, eviction protections, and emergency rental assistance.
In a world often characterized by self-indulgence and transient pleasures, Miriam Haregot’s selfless act of opening a homeless shelter in downtown Los Angeles serves as a commendable example of the positive change individuals can create.
