While the city of LA has launched a $100 million-per-year program to help the problem. The rapper, entrepreneur, and actor Jaden Smith has found his own way of responding to the crisis.
Los Angeles is experiencing a homeless crisis that exists decades ago. Over the past six years, the unhoused population in the city has risen to 75%.
The city’s lack of homeless shelters and affordable housing has forced people who can’t afford L.A.’s sky-high rents to live on the streets.
According to LAist, since 2000, renter incomes have decreased by 3 percent while rents have gone up 32 percent.
On the other hand, Jaden Smith launched the “I Love You Restaurant” pop-up truck on his 21st birthday.
The truck hands out healthy, vegan meals to unhoused people for free. Smith himself follows a vegan diet.
“@ILoveYouRestaurant Is A Movement That Is All About Giving People What They Deserve, Healthy, Vegan Food for Free,” Smith wrote on Instagram.
“Today We Launched Our First One Day Food Truck Pop-Up in Downtown LA.”
The food bowls given out by the I Love You Restaurant features dark leafy greens, sweet potato, black beans, and grains.
Smith hasn’t announced the next time the truck will pop up in the L.A. area, but it’ll be back soon. “Keep A Look Out Because This Is the First of Many,” he wrote on Instagram.
This isn’t Smith’s first foray into charitable giving. Last year, his eco-friendly water company partnered with a local church in Flint, Michigan to help with the water crisis.
“This has been one of the most rewarding and educational experiences for me personally,” Smith said in a statement.”
We’re so proud of you, Jaden Smith! Keep up the good work.