Hailey Fort has been helping the homeless for the past four years. And she’s only 9 years old.
When Hailey was 5, she spotted a homeless man in her town and asked her mother if she could help him. Hailey and her mother soon befriended a number of homeless people in their community of Kitsap County, Washington. Knowing the struggles that the homeless face during adverse weather (such as the cold Washington winters), Hailey set out to help.
Now, she builds mobile shelters for the homeless. Hailey even met with city officials to ensure that she placed the shelters in the right location. According to the city, the shelters can be placed on church lots – and Hailey is now on a mission to partner with local churches to provide space for the shelters. The first recipient is her friend, Edward, who “stuck out because he has always been so gracious when receiving food.”
Hailey plans to build 12 mobile shelters this year, each costing roughly $300. She has also begun to grow fruits and vegetables, with the aim of growing 250 pounds for the homeless this year. She also hopes to raise 1000 toiletries, 500 feminine hygiene products, and 100 coats through donations on her GoFundMe page.
You can learn more and follow her progress on her Facebook page, Hailey’s Harvest.
Way to go to this incredible girl, Hailey Fort!
-Tiffany Rhoades
Program Developer
Girl Museum Inc.