Gabriella Mestre is a junior at Barbara Goleman Senior High School (BGSHS) who is raising money for homeless awareness in her community. To combat these issues, she started an initiative in her school called Teens Against Homelessness (TAH).
Mestre emphasizes the problem of homelessness across communities in South Florida, and believes that the problem could easily be eradicated if people come together to help one another.
“In just Miami-Dade county, there are thousands of homeless people,” expressed Mestre. “I firmly believe that no one chooses to be homeless, sometimes people just have a problem and they need help to rise above it. I want to make a difference in the lives of these people.”
Mestre hopes to spread this initiative to other high schools across the nation. She and TAH works in tandem with the organization Camillus House. This non-profit group helps the displaced of South Florida by providing them shelter, food and emotional support.
TAH will be hosting a collection drive to assist Camillus House in their efforts. Items like deodorant, soap, shampoo, lotion, toothbrushes and more will be accepted in donation bin locations. If interested in donating, contact Mestre at (305)905-5088. Other schools willing to participate in this initiative may also contact through the same number. The last day to turn in donations is March 15.