From a Meal to a Movement:
The Story of UP Initiative’s Fight for Dignity and Change.
UP Initiative was born in 2023 from a simple yet powerful idea: to break down barriers to food access and reduce food insecurity for people experiencing homelessness in Berea, KY. What started as a community-driven effort to ensure that no one goes hungry has grown into a movement focused on providing nutritious meals, fostering dignity, and building a more inclusive and compassionate community. By addressing immediate needs while advocating for long-term solutions, UP Initiative is committed to uplifting individuals and creating pathways to stability.
In October 2023, the UP Initiative opened its doors with a simple mission: provide low-barrier and accessible services that directly respond to disparities within the unhoused and underhoused communities in a compassionate, equitable, proactive, and effective way. But as volunteers welcomed guests, it quickly became clear that the unhoused community in Berea needed much more than just a meal. From hygiene essentials to warm clothing and community support, the needs were vast and urgent. What started as a food access program has since grown into a broader effort to provide critical resources, advocacy, and compassion for those facing homelessness. UP Initiative continues to evolve, driven by the belief that everyone deserves dignity, support, and the opportunity to thrive.