Kyari Williams has always had a spirit for community service and a heart for the homeless, but was moved to take real action in helping them.
“There was a man on the radio saying we should help them, but homeless people choose to be homeless. I thought, ‘people don’t choose that,’” said the 11-year-old. “Some people don’t have the correct mindset, some are veterans or some people just can’t get a job. Some people are just stubborn. But I bet you if it were up to them, they’d be living in a house with their family and with a good job.”
She understands the value of established organizations and shelters, but was unsatisfied with how they distribute items and certain rules placed upon homeless individuals. Williams began brainstorming and came up with an idea to help the homeless in a way that was easy and provided what they needed directly to them.
She decided to form “Got Your Back” and distribute toiletries, first aid kits and other basic needs in backpacks to homeless men and women living in downtown Indianapolis.
“I thought ‘if I just put it in a backpack, it’ll be easier to carry,’” she said.
Williams was comfortable with doing this project on her own, but shortly after formulating her idea she was informed by her mother, Antonia Powell, that other people wanted to help.
“The world we live in today, kids have no concept of giving. It’s all about receiving. I jumped on board,” said Nazeeha Khalid, president of Caring Artists United for Social Equity (CAUSE) and a friend of Williams’ mother. “We do things like this all the time but to see Kyari doing something like this made me want to help.”
Organizations such as CAUSE, Marion County Commission on Youth, Ladies Under Construction and other private donors decided to sponsor Williams’ initiative and donated backpacks, toiletries, underwear, socks and other items to Got Your Back.
“I thought it was just going to be a family project. I had no idea it was going to blow up,” said the fifth grader. “I was appreciative that someone actually paid attention and helped me.”
Because Williams has done volunteer work in the past, she’s aware that there are some individuals who aren’t grateful for help. But through Got Your Back, she discovered there were plenty who were greatly appreciative of the backpacks.
Williams recently handed out 10 backpacks and was met with an overwhelming response in others wanting backpacks for themselves or for homeless friends. During that outing downtown, Williams had a request for a kids backpack. She didn’t have one available, but took down the family’s information, created a kids bag and located the family to deliver the special bag for the young child.
“I prove that young people don’t always think about the latest shoes and iPods – we can give back just on our own. We don’t have to have anyone tell us to, ask us to or pay us to,” said Williams.
She went on to say that in addition to boosting her passion for philanthropy, creating Got Your Back has taught her about homeless culture, how to manage money, and how to develop her organizational skills, cultivate her ideas, deal with various personalities and communicate better with adults.
Williams’ aunt, Antonia Powell-Brown, said that she is not surprised that Williams has taken on this effort and gives her support when needed.
“She’s so talented, creative and wise beyond her years. She has a heart for community. I just let her go with that and help her stay focused,” said Powell-Brown. “Kyari is well rounded and it’s rare that you see that. She has a purpose.”
Khalid also believes that Williams is an amazing girl and is excited to see her grow and develop as an individual through this venture.
Got Your Back is in its infancy and Williams is looking for people to donate items for adults and kids. She is in need of backpacks, toiletries, first aid kits, underwear, clothes, hats, scarves and gloves.
For those who cannot afford to give items or monetary donations, Williams said she hopes she has inspired them to do anything they are able to do to help others less fortunate.
“There’s a lot of people who think about doing good, but they never do it. There are people out there on the street waiting for those people. I don’t want to be that kind of person,” said Williams. “I’m going to keep doing this until something out of my control stops me.”
For more information or to donate items, call (317) 809-1407.
