When she was only five, Hailey Fort saw a homeless man in Kitsap County in Washington where she lives. She asked her mother if there was a way for her to help him out.
Her mom told her that there is a way and ever since that moment, this is what Hailey has been doing. For several years now, she’s been helping out the homeless in her community with the assistance of her mom.
She’s also planning to build 12 mobile shelters for the homeless. And so she did.
The First Shelter Was Ready, Hailey Was Happy
The man who got the first shelter was Edward. Hailey went through all of her homeless friends and decided he will be the first recipient due to several reasons.
This shelter wasn’t adequate for a wheelchair so it was not suitable for Billy Ray. it wasn’t also suitable for Tonka, a dog, and his owner. Edward was okay because he’s been so gracious when receiving food.
According to Hailey’s mom, they’ve met with the city to ensure the shelters won’t be an issue. Their city ordinance on the issue notes that the shelter can be placed on a church lot so they looked at various lots.
Hailey’s also Thinking about Food, not just a Roof over Their Heads
Food is another priority for the girl.
She also grows her own fruits and veggies and is hopeful to grow 250 pounds for the homeless. She’s documenting her journey on her Facebook page Hailey’s Harvest.
According to her mom, the homeless are Hailey’s friends. She believes that it is this friendship that motivates her. She says how Hailey can stop anytime she wants, but she keeps going because she’s passionate about it.
250 pounds of food, 12 mobile shelters, but also 500 feminine hygiene products, 100 coats, and 1000 toiletries are Hailey’s goals. She has a GoFundMe page where she sets goals and tries to reach them with donations from other good people.
She’s been supported by her community. Her mom says that the cost of one shelter is around $300; however, the reason that the price is so low is due to the items that she gets as donations.
the walls are from pallets that are stuffed with recycled denim as insulation. This structure features drywall, shingled roof, wood siding, and flooring from vinyl.
There’s also a solar-powered lamp, front door lock, and curtains on the windows.
Quentin, Hailey’s dad says the selflessness of Hailey and Miranda comes from a place that appears unknown to others but is natural for them.
He’s proud of what they’re doing and he hopes this contribution to the community will keep going stronger and stronger. As parents, they want to be able to do enough to meet her desire to help others in need.
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