About two years ago, my husband Victor, my son Charlie, and I were running errands around Memphis, TN. It was July, and the car’s outside temperature read 109F. It was the sixth day in a row with a heat advisory. As we sat in our air-conditioned car, we looked out the window and saw several homeless people sitting by the side of the road, hiding under shaded areas and in very poor shape. We didn’t have any cash, but we did have a lot of unopened water bottles, which we were happy to give them. Each and every one of them was incredibly dehydrated, lethargic, and in desperate need of resources to protect them from the dangers of the extreme temperatures we experience in Memphis. Every person we met was so grateful to receive a little bit of help. That day, Victor, Charlie, and I decided we wanted to do something about this—we wanted to be the change we want to see in the world.

Our goal is simple: raise funds to provide water and fans to as many homeless individuals as possible, starting at the beginning of the summer and continuing through September. We want to help the homeless during the time of year when they are typically forgotten. Over the years, we’ve gotten used to donating or volunteering to help the homeless starting in November through the holidays, when temperatures drop and it becomes dangerous to be outside. Fortunately, our Memphis community has many organizations that focus on helping the homeless during those cold winter months. Unfortunately, that focus tapers off shortly after the New Year, leaving the homeless with very little to no resources once the scorching hot Memphis summers come.

Our hope is that each year we will be able to raise more and help more people by purchasing water, fans, and handing them out to the homeless. We are relying strictly on social media and word of mouth. Help us be the change we want to see in the world by supporting and sharing our mission.