Former Disney star and Grammy winner Miley Cyrus has long been an advocate for sheltering homeless youth.
Videos by Wide Open Country
In 2014, she launched the Happy Hippie Foundation, which supports homeless youth, LGBTQ members and other vulnerable groups.
Earlier this week, the pop star made a major financial commitment to reducing youth homelessness, donating $1 million to the non-profit charity My Friend's Place, which will help fund its new housing development in Los Angeles' Skid Row.
"I have always thought of home as my safe place. I have always had my family who loved me and supported me no matter what. When I started my foundation 12 years ago, I was really moved by the fact that many people, especially people my age at the time, were going through life without either," Cyrus said Oct. 14. "And also that I could be living so close, right here in L.A., to where there was such an intense need among youth experiencing homelessness."
Last year, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority reported an estimated total of 67,777 people experiencing homelessness in the area. Los Angeles trails only New York City in the volume of unsheltered people.
Miley Cyrus Honored For Massive Charitable Donation
Heather Carmichael, executive director of My Friend's Place, praised Cyrus for her continued dedication to the organization.
"It has been a kaleidoscope of goodness," she said, per Billboard. "That experience of being seen by somebody who has captivated the world, to turn their attention to someone who feels so unseen, that's mind-blowing, and really grounding at the same time."
Miley's mom, Tish Cyrus, said of her daughter's million-dollar donation: "There is truly nothing better. I think every parent wants to raise their kids to make a difference for the better. That's what she's doing with [her foundation]. Being able to see the impact myself, right here in our own community, brings me so much joy."
Cyrus, a two-time Grammy winner, said she wants to be defined by her philanthropic work, not her music career.
"I started MCF to honor the women in my life. Especially my mom and my grandma, who always inspired me to give back. [They] taught me that your heart is the most important," the "Flowers" singer said. "No matter what I achieve, the kind of person I am when it comes to being kind, compassionate, generous...that's what matters and defines me. That's why I care so much about this work."
