Before you judge their worst day — learn their name.
Know My Name.
Someone is one good idea away from a solution to end homelessness, combat hunger, protect the oppressed, and fight injustice. Know My Name is a call to ordinary people, everyday businesses, and communities to respond not with policy papers, but with direct, dignified action — starting right where they are.
The name comes from a simple truth: before we solve a problem, we should know the person. A person experiencing homelessness is not a statistic. They are someone’s child. They have a name. And when we see their name, we see them differently.
Not everyone can do the same thing. But everyone can do something. Use what you already have.
Open a tab for someone who can’t pay. Let your customers add a meal to someone’s day. One plate can change everything.
Give someone a safe night. When a guest offers to cover a room for someone in need — say yes.
Give someone a fresh start. A haircut is more than appearance — it’s confidence. It’s dignity. It’s showing up to life.
Hire someone who deserves a second chance. Be the business that does not automatically say no to a returning citizen.
Mobilize your congregation. Host a Know My Name Sunday. Connect your members to this purpose in their neighborhood.
Buy someone a meal. Stop and ask their name. Carry a gift card to share. Choose compassion over assumption.
Buy one meal.
Pay for one night’s stay.
Carry socks or hygiene kits.
Help someone prepare for a job interview.
Offer a ride to treatment.
Mentor someone returning home.
Connect someone to local resources.
Simply stop, listen, and treat someone with dignity.
They will feel they matter.
They are seen. They are heard. They are loved.
If you own a restaurant, hotel, retail store, or any business and want to be part of this purpose — reach out. This is not a contract. It’s a conversation.
“Someone is one good idea away from a solution to end homelessness, combat hunger, protect the oppressed and fight for injustice. Will you share your voice?”
What do you see? What would you do? What have you lived? Your idea belongs here.
