ST. LOUIS - Feb. 25, 2021 - Homelessness has a face and it just may look like someone you know. 15 years ago, Rachel Renata (formerly Rachel Jackson) set out to impact just one young woman's life. In doing so, she's served over 90,000 homeless, disadvantaged and low-income women, men and children, primarily those of color, with the essentials through her non-profit foundation, Project Compassion, NFP (PC-NFP). The common misconception is that homelessness is a fact of life, or at very best, the result of poor choices. Rachel Renata is changing that narrative through consistency and compassion.
Rachel's passion for her community has kept her going for 15 years. "Homelessness is not a fiction-based storyline. It's real; it's scary and it impacts my community in more ways than one. The women we serve have to deal with the residual effects of this transitional phase of their lives. Homelessness leaves scars that simply providing housing cannot fix," she says.
In St. Louis, black families are four-times more likely to experience homelessness than white people.
Project Compassion, NFP (PC-NFP) is located in St. Louis' neighboring city, Belleville, IL. Through community outreach, grants and private funding, Rachel and her team of professionals are able to provide food, shelter, seasonal supplies, hygiene items, vocational training, and life skills workshops. Most recently, PC-NFP has opened a new building, affectionately named the Project Compassion Therapy Center, to assist transitioning families with mental health services from licensed mental health therapists, counselors and service professionals.
Rachel often finds inspiration in the success of other women who look like her. "Hearing Cori Bush's story and how she transitioned from homelessness inspires me to keep going. She's exactly the kind of woman who could have benefited from our services. She's the perfect example of what we teach our young women: resilience, perseverance and tenacity. We cannot give up. You cannot give up on yourself."
Rachel Renata's efforts have been recognized by media outlets, community action agencies and national platforms. "Being recognized by L'Oreal Paris as a Woman of Worth was one of the highlights of my career." Rachel reflects, "To me, compassion is helping someone make a change. You don't just give something to them-you empower them."
Rachel is the true face of inspiration. As a speaker, writer, empowerment coach, and professional consultant, Rachel Renata has devoted her life to inspiring others to live out their purpose and their dreams with courage and faith.
Media assets: Photos / Reel / Release http://bit.ly/36M1OGa Ref: L'Oreal Paris-Woman-of-Worth-Rachel-Jackson
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