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After his brother died while experiencing homelessness in 2024, Minn Vo visited the shelter where his brother had stayed. The conditions he saw left a lasting impression—and pushed him to act.
About a year after the death, Vo launched Hands in Hope in December. The nonprofit now brings together roughly 100 students from several Fairfax County schools to support people facing homelessness.
Vo, a junior at Carter G. Woodson High School, said everyone deserves dignity and support, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The group’s first project was a winter warmth drive. Students collected beanies, blankets and hand warmers to help unhoused neighbors endure frigid weather.
Students also assembled more than 70 dental hygiene kits using supplies donated by local dentists. Each package included a “kindness card” featuring an encouraging message and student-created artwork.
Second Story, a Northern Virginia organization serving young people and mothers experiencing homelessness, distributed the kits.
Vo said seemingly small gestures can have a meaningful impact by showing recipients that they are valued, seen and not alone.
While balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities and the nonprofit, Vo is working to involve more schools and recruit additional volunteers. He hopes broader community participation will allow Hands in Hope to provide more support to unhoused Northern Virginians.