Miley Cyrus has done it again, and this time she’s gaining attention for reasons vastly different than before. Just recently, Cyrus created the Happy Hippie Foundation, a non-profit organization that serves to aide homeless youth, LBGT youth, and other groups in need of great assistance.
According to happyhippies.org, “1.6 million youth are homeless each year.” Furthermore, “40% of homeless youth identify as LGBT, and family rejection is the most common reason LGBT youth experience homelessness.” To make matters worse, about one in every three homeless LBGT face rejection at homeless shelters solely because of their orientation.
Because of these statistics, Cyrus and those involved in the Happy Hippie Foundation have created a movement that calls teens from all over the world to help their peers who face homelessness at a young age. Instead of viewing homelessness in a negative manner, the Happy Hippie Foundation asks those who are witness to such harsh conditions, to keep a positive mind. The Happy Hippie Foundation writes, “We know that the people sleeping on the sidewalk could have been us or our closest friends if our lives were just a little bit different. And the people we see sleeping on the sidewalk could be our friends if we gave them the chance.”
One of the more notable parts of this organization is their partnership with Facebook. Miley Cyrus and other acts including Joan Jett and Ariana Grande, join together for what Cyrus calls, “Backyard Sessions”. This is a mini concert featured on Facebook that is designed to help raise awareness and to raise funds. In addition, it gives fans from all over an opportunity to witness Cyrus in collaboration with a number of musical talents.
Although it was just created, The Happy Hippie Foundation has made a splash in the news. For instance, Rolling Stone magazine recently caught up with Cyrus to discuss her new endeavor. Cyrus says, “Pointless judgment and its effects are unfortunately something that is way too common. All humans have valid feelings and rights! I want to use my voice as a megaphone to young people everywhere and encourage human evolution,” Cyrus said in a statement. “No one should have to hide who they really are, no matter what his or her name, gender or status. That’s why Happy Hippies are here to say that every life is valuable!”
Celebrities aren’t the only individuals who can be involved in this movement and organization. To see how you can become involved, visit happyhippies.org.
