Mission: (I'm)possible

The Rising Entrepreneur by Jason Torres

My humble beginnings began with an opportunity. I was offered a spot on the board of directors of a street magazine designed to employ homeless individuals; and from that opportunity a passion sparked inside of me. I suppose that was the case because I, too, was homeless at one point, along with my mom, and I wanted to help those that are going through what my mom and I experienced. In helping with the magazine and doing all I could to provide my support, I began to notice flaws in the how the homeless were being taken care of. I got to the point where I felt frustration with how the current system was operating to take care of the homeless. I was frustrated with the homeless not being able to groom themselves for a possible job opportunity. I was frustrated with homeless veterans not knowing who to turn to or where to turn to. I was frustrated with how homeless individuals were forced to relocate or risk getting arrested. These issues were just the start and so I believed there was an opportunity for me to create something special in terms of a solution. Humble Diggs is a source of hope for those homeless individuals that believe there is no hope for them. As we grow the organization nationwide, it’s our mission to provide a blazing light to the humbled masses! But, why me? I became afraid when I realized how big this project could become and started wondering if somebody as insignificant as me would really be able to make this a reality. What makes me any different? I started doubting myself and nearly gave up. But, I found my courage to move forward from individuals that provided me with the blazing light that I needed to realize that this is what I want to offer to the world. I believe that you must surround yourself with people who will help to keep your dreams alive. Unfortunately, we live in a world with plenty of dream stealers and so I have learned how to surround myself with like-minded people who understand the power of focus and positivity. I’m reminded by a quote that states, “nothing should ever hold a man back from his future.” I know this to be true because I wasn’t held back from my future when I was homeless with my mom and so I’m an example of what is possible for our current homeless veterans. I want to help them understand that nothing should stop them either from a future I believe is full of possibilities because it’s from their humble beginnings, no matter where they are in life, that great things will come.

To learn more about Humble Diggs and connect with founder Rachel Duley, visit www.humblediggs.org