Amitai Smyla

Hello! My name is Amitai Smyla and this year I am a member of the philanthropy track of the Jewish Teen Foundation (JTF). This is my first year with JTF and I am excited to be learning so many important skills and am grateful to have the opportunity to encourage change in the community both locally and globally. The goal of this fundraiser is to provide support for people experiencing homelessness through   many special nonprofit organizations targeting housing, vocational services, and healthcare. 

Through JTF, I can use/apply certain outreach skills and business techniques to obtain funds to address this prevalent issue that impacts the lives of so many people daily. Living in the Bay Area, homelessness is something that I see very often, especially when in San Francisco. To me, it is a very proximal issue which I am passionate about helping this year and beyond. Throughout this process, I hope to be able to significantly impact the lives of people experiencing homelessness and help by allocating funds to organizations dedicated to improving the lives of the people affected by it.  I am inspired to help others challenged by adversity and will always try my best to achieve the most. 

Giving "Tzedakah," or giving out of  your own desire to make change is a lesson that I follow and observe. Understanding that giving from the heart is crucial in helping one another is a message that resonates with me and contributes to my awareness of not only the good things, but also difficulties in society. However, while observing the challenges, it is important to search for solutions or methods of approach which increase and maximize the good, and that make a meaningful difference in the life of someone else.

 Some example statistics include:

• Since 2017, the homeless population in San Francisco has increased by a staggering 17%, with over 8,000 people now experiencing homelessness.
• In the U.S, over 500,000 people are currently experiencing homelessness = 0.0017% of the total population of the U.S. = roughly 1 in 2,000 people.
• Worldwide, over 150 million people experience homelessness and over 1.5 billion live in inadequate conditions.

With your help, we could drastically assist the countless people affected by homelessness in the Bay Area and around the world, and similarly be able to address prevalent issues including access to healthcare, jobs, and living arrangements. This Mighty Cause page hopefully can inspire you to donate to this cause, and help make the donation process accessible and organized. All amounts are greatly appreciated through April 30th.

Thank you very much!