Brooke Pryor hears from Steelers rookie RB Najee about his childhood in homeless shelters, and how he is still involved with them today. (1:39).
Najee Harris was first to replace the carpet.
It was once blue-green. The blue-green industrial weave that once covered the floors of the Greater Richmond (California), Interfaith Program (GRIP), had become a stained amalgamation of shoe prints over the past 20 years and traces from countless families seeking a new start.
Harris, his mother and four of his siblings walked on the Richmond shelter's carpet more than a decade ago. This shelter was the last one Harris and his family had stayed in in their childhood. They faced numerous evictions, as well as a brief stint living in a van at Golden Gate Park.
Harris visited the shelter to see the difference between winning the national championship in Alabama in January and being the No. Harris, the 24th overall pick in the NFL draft in April noticed the carpet. Harris made a mental note of changing it as soon as he could.
Harris was able to help GRIP replace the carpeting in the 2 stories, 12,000-square foot building with dark hardwood tiles, through a partnership between Lowe's and his foundation.
He didn't stop there.
Harris, 23 years old, watched a video call from Steelers' facility last week. Nearly 100 volunteers, including his parents, descended upon GRIP to fulfill the wish list Harris (and Tianna Hicks) compiled from their experiences living in shelters and meeting with the organization this summer.
New appliances, a computer and a grill were added to the additions. There was also landscaping, pavers in the lot, and a new coat of light blue-gray painted that almost appears iridescent depending on the light.
Siu Laulea, who served as the case manager for Harris' family while it was at GRIP, said, "We have people who donate money, but having Najee makes it different." He wanted to improve the place. It feels more like a home to the residents. Because of the color of our floor, it doesn't feel like a facility. It's a warm feeling, even though it has a different color paint. It's quite a different vibe from what we get from residents.
It's more of a happy vibe.
Harris, who was once uncomfortable sharing his experiences as a homeless child, now uses his platform to make an impact on many different ways.
Harris stated, "I discovered that I could help people. My story could help them -- or it could make them feel like there's someone else out there."
Najee Harris gazes up at a newly painted mural featuring a portrait of himself on the side wall of the GRIP Building. Courtesy GRIP
"You have to see the larger picture"
Marcus Malu was furious at Harris.
Malu, a trusted friend and trainer, was also Harris' trainer. He ran a gym in Antioch, where Harris attended high school.
Malu, a native of Antioch, was just like Harris and knew what it was like to grow up in difficult circumstances.
Harris heard two of his classmates talk about Harris in his sophomore year. They were talking about Harris' childhood and the shelters he had lived in.
He confronted them, asking how they knew. He then went to Malu.
Malu said that Harris had shared a part of his story with him at a strength-and conditioning banquet the previous day. He believed Harris' story might inspire students.
Malu recalls Harris telling Malu, "Man, that's not what I want." I said, "Listen, cut off my head if necessary, or get mad if necessary. You'll have to tell your story sooner or later. It is part of who you're.
The next two weeks, Harris did not speak to Malu. He then walked into Malu's gym, and sat down in silence. Malu didn't need to hear anything to understand that Harris had forgave him.
Harris stated, "I was mad at him, but it wasn't clear to me," Harris said, "I didn’t understand my story. It's called a testimony. It was not clear to me how it would benefit other people. At that moment, I didn't see the whole picture. He helped me to see the bigger picture, and I am grateful for that. He was a great help in opening up for me."
Harris is now beginning to understand how to influence change. He named his nonprofit Da' Bigger picture Foundation after realizing that even small things can make a big difference.
Harris stated that if everyone helps each other, then we can all try to make a difference. Harris said, "It took me all those years to figure that out. So I wanted to help someone else because people believe that success, whatever you want, prosperity or anything happens just like that.
It's not that easy. It's important to see the larger picture.
Harris and his siblings learned this lesson from Hicks during their childhood years in temporary housing.
Harris and his family were involved in soup kitchens, Christmas toy drives, and Special Olympics events.
Hicks stated that while I may have been in line, I could've helped pass the food out and gotten on the other side. I've done a few things in their lives to show them that giving is just as important as receiving.
Najee Harris' mother, Tianna Hicks was part of the team that upgraded GRIP thanks to a partnership between Lowe's and Da' Bigger Picture Fund. The mural depicting the ocean she painted can be seen at the playground. Courtesy Nicole Jones/GRIP
"Such a Philanthropist"
Harris was concerned about dessert on one of the most important days of his adult life.
He was not for himself, but for the children he was about to feed at the GRIP pre-draft party before the first round started on April 29.
Harris was restless the night before and couldn't fall asleep. Harris became concerned that there wouldn't enough food.
He realized that he was likely to be short on dessert the next morning.
Hicks stated that Hicks wanted to ensure that the children had all they needed: food, dessert and more. He was concerned about dessert. He called around, asking for help to find dessert so he can enjoy sweets afterward.
Harris' tale of homelessness has been shared at every stage of his career. The cycle was re-started when local media outlets discovered the GRIP pre-draft party.
Every round of renewed interest brings another chance to inspire or help one more person.
GRIP received donations after Harris mentioned it during the draft party. This allowed the organization to continue providing shelter for families in the area and also provide hot meals to the local community. It also offers programs that help with the obtaining of legal documents and referrals for treatment.
Najee Harris held a party at GRIP before the NFL draft. He gave out pizza, drinks, and dessert. Courtesy Nicole Jones/GRIP
Nicole Jones, GRIP executive assistant, stated that "Before all this all started we were in negative as a non-profit." People saw the news and began to come in. Here's a Check here, here's another Check Here. We can keep the company afloat with those funds. Payroll should be kept up with staff. Keep the doors open for new employees and programs.
Harris was a part of the planning behind the scenes for the draft-day party. Hicks, however, has been crucial in the continuation of the mission and work of the Da'Bigger Picture Foundation.
Hicks stated, "It's very satisfying, and it will make you feel very empowered to realize that I can change things." It makes a huge difference because you can't talk when you're homeless. It's too easy to be focused on making sure your family has somewhere to sleep that night. You want to ensure they have food that evening. How will I get to school and work tomorrow?
It changes things to be able to say, "These are some items that I know these families will need," This is why I am determined to do more. I see things differently now.
Harris, whose Steelers face the Chicago Bears Monday night (8:15 pm, ESPN), is still undecided about what project he will tackle next or when.
Jones stated, "He is such a philanthropist and you can see those motors running inside his head." Jones said, "He wants this, he wants that. I say, "Wait, slow down. We'll let you do whatever you want. We'll do it one at a given time, so slow down.
Harris once asked Jones if he could buy the GRIP building to help him out. Jones laughed and said that they already had the building. Jones laughed and said that they already owned the building.
"Well, what if you wanted to buy a building? And open another shelter?" Jones recalls Harris asking Jones this question. "I told Harris, 'You can also do that.'"
