No one should sleep on the streets.
No one deserves to be adrift in the cold.
Everyone deserves a warm place to call home.
Although the power of an individual may seem small,
every act of kindness can shine like a star,
illuminating unseen corners of darkness,
ICSO guiding more people to find their way back to warmth.
ICSO Outstanding Volunteer
Profile: Jiang Yuxin
Major: Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley
Department: ICSO·US Branch (United States)
At 19, Jiang Yuxin had just received her college offer and, full of excitement and curiosity, made her first visit to downtown New York City. That night, she decided to check out a bar to experience the local vibe. After having a few drinks, she discovered her suitcase had been stolen and realized she had also missed the last train. The subway was closed, and everything around her felt unfamiliar.
Slightly tipsy, she wandered the empty streets when suddenly she was harassed by some street thugs. The situation quickly became dangerous — until a homeless man named Robert stepped in and helped her out of the crisis. He then took her to a 24-hour café, invited her to rest there, and quietly left. Before leaving, he promised he’d return at 5 a.m. to walk her safely to the station.
When 5 a.m. came, Jiang stepped out of the café but didn’t see Robert. Disappointed, she was about to leave when she saw him running toward her from afar. As it turned out, Robert had taken a bus back to keep his promise — just to make sure she could safely reach the train station.
This unexpected encounter deeply moved Jiang. After returning to school, she shared her story online and urged people to show more care for the homeless. She admitted that she used to view homeless individuals with prejudice, but Robert changed her perspective. She wrote, “Robert, you are truly a special person!” When she asked him why he helped her, he said, “It’s a father’s duty — to make sure another man’s daughter gets home safe.”
From that day on, Jiang began to pay close attention to the homeless community. She saw that on the bustling streets of New York and Los Angeles, countless people like Robert were being forgotten by society. “They shouldn’t be sleeping on sidewalks. Everyone deserves a home.” Determined to make a difference, she applied to join the ICSO’s “Homeward” project when she learned it had been launched in the U.S., sharing her story about Robert as part of her application.
Jiang Yuxin’s involvement brought fresh energy to the “Homeward” project. She proposed many creative ideas and successfully organized meaningful activities. One standout initiative was the creation of a “Homeless Story Sharing Forum.” Jiang believed that everyone’s story deserves to be heard — especially those who once had homes but were forced onto the streets. She invited homeless individuals to anonymously share their stories on an online forum, using words and images to give the public insight into their lives. This not only gave the homeless a voice but also fostered empathy and began to shift societal stereotypes.
In addition, Jiang boldly launched another innovative idea: the “Homeless Makeover Videos.” This idea turned out to be surprisingly impactful. It wasn’t just about giving someone new clothes — it was about helping them reconnect with their self-worth. She collaborated with a local clothing brand that donated large quantities of clothing and teamed up with photography students to offer professional styling and photo sessions.
When the homeless individuals saw their transformed reflections for the first time, many were overwhelmed with joy — some even in tears. They said it reminded them of who they used to be and reignited a flicker of hope.
Once posted on social media, these makeover videos quickly drew widespread attention. Tens of thousands of people commented beneath the videos, expressing support for the homeless and calling on others to care about this often-overlooked group. This not only helped restore the confidence of the homeless individuals involved but also helped change the public’s perception.
Jiang Yuxin’s ideas didn’t remain just concepts — she turned them into real, impactful initiatives. Her efforts brought tangible benefits to the homeless, not only materially but emotionally — allowing them to see a different possibility for life, to regain dignity and hope.
Her actions have become an inspiration for other volunteers. Encouraged by her, more people joined the cause — together spreading kindness and hope.