One September morning in 2017, I came across a man dying on a Hollywood street.

Several passersby refused to help, and I wasn’t sure what to do either. With a security guard’s assistance, I got him to a nearby hospital. He survived but lost a leg, and that’s where our connection began.

In the weeks that followed, I visited him often. For the twenty years prior, I had dedicated myself to understanding people, consumers, and cultures, uncovering powerful insights to drive change. I approached our meetings and discussions with that same sense of curiosity. We talked about school, family, favorite books, and life on the streets. I realized how much we had in common, even though our lives were so different. Curious and compelled, I eventually ventured out myself, visiting tents, tunnels, alleys, parking garages—anywhere I could absorb what it feels like to be unhoused. Around every corner, I was warmly welcomed and increasingly enchanted by the strength, resilience, and tenderness of people surviving outside.

As I spent more time out there, I grew increasingly excited and puzzled. I was excited to be a caring and connecting presence for these new friends and to share my mind-blowing learnings with my own friends, family, and coworkers. I was puzzled by why their struggles were so hidden from the rest of the community and frankly baffled by the insurmountable and isolating barriers they continued to face when trying to get support.

In 2022, I had a simple idea to bridge the isolation: I collaborated with Mac Park Smoke Shop to designate a phone for client use at their store. This phone would be conveniently located and accessible for over 60 hours a week, allowing clients to call me from a familiar place as we collaborated on their goals. The response was overwhelming; some days, the phone rang off the hook. This critical point of contact enabled clients to secure personal documents, access health care, and sign leases, giving them a sense of meaningful connection. After one year, our test was a success, and establishing a more permanent presence with our Help Desk was the clear next step.

Humankind LA is designed to bring people together for the benefit of the entire community.

By fostering the ability of each individual to teach and be taught, we grow mutual understanding and lessen isolation. The result is a wider range of choices and greater dignity and hope for our clients. We are dedicated to this ongoing exploration of otherness and togetherness, with humankind as our guiding light.