Help OK Bear Find Stability and Keep His Dream Alive ❤️

Meet Dakota, known to many of us as OK Bear a 26 year old Your Shot USA finalist, community leader, and one of the kindest, most genuine people in our entire creative family.

Right now, Bear is facing one of the most challenging moments of his life. For the second time, he is experiencing homelessness.

When he first came to California, Bear had nothing he arrived homeless, struggling every day just to survive. Through his tenacity, grit, and perseverance, he managed to rebuild his life. He found a job, secured housing, and began creating a foundation for himself. But due to the instability of the job market, Bear is once again without a home, facing the harsh reality of having to start over.

And yet even while facing this crisis Bear continues to show up for his community.

He is one of the most active members of the Your Shot USA family: contributing to events, supporting others online, participating in outreach, and helping build a space where aspiring DJs can come together, learn, and grow. His leadership, kindness, and generosity have left an impact on everyone who’s met him.

But behind his positivity lies a story of deep strength and heartbreak.

Bear’s Story

“I originally moved to LA homeless after my roommate in Phoenix got us evicted. No matter how hard I worked, it felt like I was just working to survive and not really living.

My whole reason for moving to California was not only a dream of mine, but it was a goal I made with my first girlfriend, who passed away in December 2022. When we were in middle school, we promised each other that one day we’d come out to California and live life to the fullest and that’s what I’ve been trying to do since I came here in 2023.”

— OK Bear

Bear’s move to Los Angeles wasn’t just about chasing a dream it was about honoring a promise to the person he loved and lost. Every step he’s taken since arriving has been guided by that purpose: to live life fully, to pursue music, and to spread light in every space he touches.

Now, he needs our help to keep that dream alive.

Why This Matters

You can only imagine the pressure of competing for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like Your Shot while also trying to survive without stable housing. Yet, Bear continues to show up with grace, humility, and compassion, offering encouragement to others when he’s the one quietly carrying the heaviest load.

He’s the kind of person who makes you believe in community again someone who gives his all without ever asking for anything in return. And now, it’s our turn to show up for him.

How You Can Help

This GoFundMe was created by the Your Shot USA finalist community to help Bear get back on his feet to secure temporary housing, cover essential needs, and give him a stable foundation so he can continue pursuing his dream and representing the best of what this community stands for.

If you’ve ever seen Bear in action, felt his encouragement, or been inspired by his energy please consider helping:

• Donate whatever you can. Every dollar counts.

• Share this link widely to amplify his story.

• Offer resources housing leads, job opportunities, or community support.

A Message from Our Community

We believe in lifting each other up.

We believe in the power of kindness, connection, and love in action.

We believe in Bear.

This is more than a fundraiser it’s a statement about who we are as a community. We build tables. We eat together. We take care of our own.

Please consider donating, reposting, or connecting Bear with any resources that could help make a difference in his life.

Together, we can help him continue the journey he started for himself, for the dream he shared with his late partner, and for everyone who believes in the power of perseverance and community.

❤️ Thank you for being part of this story.