Jackie Hudson Memorial Scholarship

Growing up, I watched my single mother scrub toilets to afford our school uniforms. Despite our struggles, she always kept an open door for neighborhood kids, offering meals, a place to play, and even a shower if needed. Her generosity shaped my values and instilled in me the importance of giving back. From ages 14 to 16, I lived in Trinity Place Teen Homeless Shelter in Asheville due to domestic struggles. Those years were some of the hardest of my life. Moving between shelters, I didn’t have the stability of a home, a place to feel safe, rest, or dream. I lacked privacy, space, and access to many of the small comforts most people take for granted, like my own bed, a phone, or personal belongings. Each day was a reminder of how isolating and dehumanizing homelessness can feel, especially as a teenager. Living at Trinity Place taught me that homelessness is not just about lacking a roof over your head, it’s about the loss of dignity, security, and hope. Too often, homeless individuals are treated as invisible, but my experiences showed me how much compassion and support can mean to someone in that position. This understanding has fueled my passion for addressing homelessness as widespread issue. When I left the shelter, I worked full-time, sometimes at multiple jobs, while attending school full-time. As I rebuilt my life, I sought ways to give back to the community that once helped me. I started by donating items to Trinity Place that would have brought me comfort during my stay, like skateboards, makeup, and other small luxuries that reminded me of my individuality. Although Trinity Place has since closed due to funding, my commitment to helping the homeless community has only grown. Working downtown, I witness Asheville’s housing crisis every day. I’ve made it a personal mission to support those in need by providing food, hot coffee, bus passes for the heated buses, and warm clothing to the homeless individuals on Wall Street, where I work. These small acts of kindness help me give back in meaningful ways, offering a bit of relief during Asheville’s harsh winters where many homeless individuals pass away. After Hurricane Helene, I also volunteered and donated to assist those displaced by the storm. Seeing people lose their homes, like my own sister, reminded me how important stability is and reaffirmed my dedication to fostering empathy and connection in my community. As I continue my life, I carry with me the lessons I learned during my time at Trinity Place: the importance of kindness, the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of even the smallest acts of compassion. My experiences shaped my commitment to creating a world where no one feels invisible or unworthy of care.