Let’s talk #AerieREAL Changemakers! This year, we’re supporting 23 amazing individuals who are changing the world, and we’ve been catching up with our Aerie fam to hear more about the communities they are making in the world. Aerie talked with Ava to hear how her advocacy is going, and to hear more about how her non-profit serves Nashville’s unhoused community.
I hope to change the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness.
What is your best memory of working within your community as a Changemaker?
My favorite memory of working in my community this year as a Changemaker was helping move my friend Michael into his own apartment after years of homelessness. I met Michael while working on the street with my organization and we worked together for months to figure out how to get him into housing. I was able to help him through the steps of the housing system and hear the excitement in his voice when he was told he finally got to move into his own place. I’ll never forget how it felt seeing him in his new space, furnished and beautiful, knowing that his work had paid off and his life was changing.
I’m making REAL change with my non-profit organization Hope On The Row that serves Nashville’s unhoused community.
What do you want the world to know?
I want the world to know that anybody can make a difference and that it doesn’t have to be perfect! When I started my organization, I had no idea how to run a non-profit or start an organization; all I knew was that I felt in my heart that I could do something, and that was enough for me to hit the ground running. If you feel deep down that there’s something you can do for your community, take action! Anybody can make change if they have the desire to and the rest can be figured out on the way. Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from serving if you feel called to do so.
This year I’ve served meals and personal essentials to over 7,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in my community with a group of over 60 active volunteers. I was also able to assist in getting an individual placed in permanent housing for the first time after having been unhoused for years.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the fact that I was able to start my initiative from the ground up and rally people around me to join in on the work I’m doing. It’s been so incredible to witness just how many people want to help make a change in the community, and I’m proud of how my organization has sparked that in the people around me.
I’m most excited about the growth in my organization. At the rate that we’re growing, we’re planning to hit 10,000+ people served annually next year and will be able to reach even more communities of people needing assistance.
About #AerieREAL Changemakers
23 brilliant people. 20 groundbreaking ideas! $20,000 each.
Aerie has granted 20 advocates and #AerieREAL Changemakers with $20,000 each to help foster their many ideas for continuing to change the world. They’re providing resources to their communities. They’re creating social consciousness by empowering youth. These Changemakers are building strong foundations and keep it REAL. It is our honor to celebrate these incredible individuals who are pushing humanity forward. How about you, Aerie fam? How are you making change in your communities? Let us know in the comments below.