Season of Giving Has Year-Round Significance For Homeless Advocate

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, December 23, 2011 (Press-News.org) For Hannah Myers, the holiday's season's 'tis better to give than receive' adage has been a yearlong mission.

The 21 year old has been advocating on behalf of Santa Monica's homeless for several years, most recently camping out at the new NorthRidge Chick-fil-A location to earn free meals for a year which she graciously donated to the area's homeless men and women.

"During the 26 hours of waiting for the restaurant to open, the residents at The Village at NorthRidge, the senior living community where I work, stopped by to show support and deliver a tent and hand and foot warmers," she said. "It was so kind and thoughtful. I wanted to 'pay it forward' and started thinking of how much the meal vouchers could impact the life of someone who didn't know where his or her next meal was coming from."

Myers and a group of friends then set out to put the coupons, valued at $350, to good use. They handed them out to homeless people complete with a map—which they sketched—to the nearest Chick-fil-A location. Knowing that transportation to the restaurant may be problematic for most of the recipients, Myers included money for bus fare as well as bus routes and schedules.

She said that although several people were initially apprehensive, they accepted the meal coupons and were very appreciative.

Myers is also partnering with the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission, a Christian non-profit outreach ministry, to help distribute the remainder of the vouchers.

According to the 2011 Homeless Count by Santa Monica, there were 740 homeless individuals in the city. Myers is keenly aware of this statistics and strives to provide resources through the homeless ministry she founded with her church.

"The poor economy has affected millions of people across the country," said Myers, who works as an activity assistant. "I wanted to do my part to address homelessness in my city."

Each month, 150-300 individuals benefit from Myers and her group's generosity. The young adults, comprised of 15 others, purchase groceries—using their own money—and prepare lunch or dinner which is then handed out at the Santa Monica boardwalk or next to the beach.

For Myers, her greatest joy comes from the gratitude she sees in the eyes of those she helps.

"I feel so blessed to be able to do this," she explained. My family taught me the importance of giving back. It's not something that's forced. It's just a part of me. It's what I know how to do."

About The Village at NorthRidge
Owned and operated by Senior Resource Group, a leading provider of distinctive retirement communities, The Village at NorthRidge offers residents a unique blend of comfort, style and recreational opportunities as well as advanced wellness programs. The community provides a variety of independent and assisted living residences, available on a monthly fee basis. Residents enjoy a wealth of amenities including restaurant dining (open 12-hours daily), a fully equipped fitness center, movie theatre, Internet lounge, market, library, bistro bar, swimming pool and spa, a full-service beauty salon, covered parking garage and more.