The Who I Am Foundation, a nonprofit agency created in 2012 in Albuquerque, has confirmed plans to expand its role in the community and to help those in need of financial assistance and on the brink of homelessness.

“All of our ideas come from our volunteers. Some of the outreach programs, the veteran’s outreach program, the behavioral health outreach, these are all volunteers’ ideas that we helped come to fruition,” Corey Pierre, executive director of the Albuquerque sector, said. 

The former anti-bullying organization has developed various outreach programs to assist those in need with available resources. Its volunteers contribute to the maintenance of the community by offering cooking, cleaning, and general support, among other services.

The helpers are generally given internal daily tasks to prepare the resources. They engage directly with low-income individuals requesting assistance in order to get a better idea of their needs. The center equips its distribution care packages with hygiene products, clothing, furniture, and other goods. 

The three stages of volunteering encouraged by the organization include event planning, distribution, and “behind the scenes,” consisting of those who find donations, coordinate donation pickups, and recruit additional helpers. 

The Who I Am Foundation has also established partnerships with other businesses to offer free haircuts, dental check-ups, and pet vaccinations.  

Ultimately, the foundation’s goal is to maintain a healthy and sustainable environment.  “It’s hard to explain because if you’re there, you can see the emotions on people’s faces,” Event Coordinator Myriah Herrera said. “We’ll make homemade soups and beanies and blankets that we’ll take out to them because they feel like humans, like they’re normal and deserve to get homemade food.”