DeKalb County

This metro Atlanta teen has distributed thousands of items to help the homeless

By WSBTV.com News Staff
By WSBTV.com News Staff

ATLANTA — Metro area high school senior Armani Hamilton spent the last three years doing all she can to help homeless people in Atlanta. She even organized students and teachers at several Dekalb County schools to join her efforts.

Channel 2′s Berndt Petersen was in in Midtown Wednesday, where Hamilton has distributed thousands of items to help people in need. They include things like tooth brushes, toothpaste, deodorant, coats and blankets.

Hamilton tells Petersen she truly cares and wants to make a difference. She said there are some things she just can’t ignore.

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“I see (homeless people) walking the streets, trying to find a home, tying to find something to eat... or a place to sleep at night.” Hamilton said. “That’s what I see when I walk down here. And it disturbs me.”

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Her mom, Selena Hamilton, remembers a trip to the city with Armani years ago.

“She couldn’t believe it when we saw people up under a bridge,” Selena Hamilton said. “She’s was like, ‘Oh, mom. We have to do something.’”

In 2019, the high school sophomore launched the non-profit foundation Operation Her ATL to help people who are homeless.

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Over the last three years, she has collected and distributed thousands of personal care items and essential clothing.

When it’s time to give, Armani does it herself.

“I just want to be the person to stop by and say, ‘Hey, how’s your day? How’s it going?’ and hear them out and hear their stories and what sets them apart. Just like me,” Armani Hamilton said.

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