From Pharmacy Student to Philanthropist
Kenneth Kim, a pharmacist with a heart of gold, always had a longing to leave a dent in the universe, particularly when it comes to helping the homeless. While studying at Temple University, he’d watch countless homeless individuals on his daily route. It was like an all-too-real version of a dystopian movie – a bit like Blade Runner 2049, but without the flying cars and artificial humans to lend a hand. His idea sprouted when he realized that instead of begging for coins, the homeless could start begging for digital credits. Ah, the future!
The Birth of Crypto for the Homeless
Kim decided to combine his passion for cryptocurrency with the urgent needs he witnessed daily. In 2019, he founded Crypto for the Homeless (CFTHL), a non-profit that would become a beacon of hope for over 5,000 people around the world. This isn’t your ordinary charity; it’s powered by crypto donations and a wave of enthusiastic volunteers. His first operation took place on April 28, 2019, when he handed out four meals to the homeless in Philadelphia. Fast forward to today, and it’s a full-blown movement!
Why Cryptocurrency?
So, why the techy approach? Kim’s journey with traditional payment methods, like PayPal, was less than friendly. He found himself frustrated with locked accounts and frozen funds. Imagine trying to help someone in need, and your account shuts down! Switching to crypto meant total control. Plus, there were no pesky transfer fees eating into the funds meant for those in need. Talk about a win-win!
Volunteer Superstars
The model? Simple. Volunteers buy hot meals, personally deliver them, and prove their good deeds with receipts and pictures. Once verified, they’re reimbursed in cryptocurrency. It’s charity with a personal touch – physically handing food to those living under bridges or in tent cities. Kim believes in declawing the coldness often associated with charity. No faceless donations here!
Tracking Progress and Future Aspirations
On their three-year anniversary, Kim stated that they never aimed to eradicate homelessness but sought to rekindle the human aspect of charity. Transparency is key; every donation and dollar spent is meticulously tracked and displayed. Despite being a small operation, CFTHL has raised nearly $75,000 since its inception. Kim hopes to expand his band of do-gooders, aiming to recruit more volunteers and extend services to even more countries, with aspirations of feeding the hungry in not just the U.S., but also places like Canada, India, and beyond.
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