Founded by singer/songwriter Caitlin Crosby, The Giving Keys employ men and women in Los Angeles looking to transition out of homelessness to hand engrave keys with words of encouragement. Her story began with a hotel room key. After realizing that in a way all humans are like old keys -- unique, flawed, scarred and at risk of being discarded -- she wanted these keys to have their purpose renewed over and over again. By taking old keys and transforming them into jewelry and accessories etched with "hope," "believe," and "dream" among other inspirational words, they serve a special purpose to the wearer until they decide to pay it forward and pass the key long to someone else.
On January 28, The Giving Keys brought one of their hard working men on as a full time employee after his 6 month trial period. Each time The Giving Keys brings on a full time employee they hold a "Bell Ringing Ceremony." We caught up with Robert Benson, the newest full time employee at The Giving Keys to hear his story and learn more about how The Giving Keys is making a difference.
This HooplaHa Original was produced by Brett Dahlenburg. Want more HooplaHa Originals? Check out our YouTube channel -- and don't forget to smile!