Ethan's Heart Free Mobile Store & Educational Unit
"Supporting The Needs Of The Homeless Population"
Ethan Hill had an idea to purchase a trailer in order to move his supplies without having to rent moving trucks each time. He made attempts to raise funds for the trailer but the effort did not go very far. He also attempted to purchase a used trailer but was deterred by scammers who did not really have a trailer to sale. He later received a generous donation which was the amount needed to purchase a new 6x12 enclosed trailer. He went and purchased the trailer on March 17, 2022. After purchasing it and bringing it home, he realized that it could be so much more. Ethan originally thought that he would convert it into a mobile shower but the plans just wouldn't work. He continued to think and finally came up with converting it into a Free Mobile Store. He thought about how people normally use retail therapy to cope with life's situations and how many of those that are experiencing homelessness no longer had that ability. He also thought about how giving individuals the right to chose what they needed instead of just accepting what was prepackaged and given would restore the dignity of the people he served. He went to work fundraising, planning, and then he became discouraged when the plans didn't move as swiftly as he would have liked. He went on to win the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes which came along with a $10,000 prize. This gave him what he needed to finish bringing his dream to life. Ethan used his prize money, along with the support of other donors and completed his mobile unit. This unit will not only serve as a mobile way to bring supplies to homeless encampments, but will also be used to educate the community on the needs of the homeless population. Ethan proudly picked up his completed trailer and took it directly into the community on October 29, 2022.
