Across communities, there are stories of resilience—stories of people coming together, taking action, and shaping their own futures. Himmah exemplifies this spirit perfectly. From volunteers using their own vehicles to deliver food parcels—it has grown into a force that drives meaningful change. All driven by the common understanding that everyone deserves dignity, respect, and the power to shape their own lives.
The beginning of determination
Himmah (determination in Arabic) was born in 2012, when a handful of community members started by sharing resources and distributing food directly from their cars. Over time, they transformed into a strong organization—with a vision for building a connected community. Safiya Truchet, who joined as a volunteer in 2023 and now leads community engagement, demonstrates that real change is rooted in active participation and collective effort.
Their mission is holistic, integrating efforts around race, poverty, and education—because they understand that addressing one issue helps lift the others. They don’t just distribute food parcels; they create opportunities for people to thrive—mentoring young people, developing community gardens, and partnering with local services for mental health and benefits support. Every initiative is designed to empower, to reinforce the resilience of the community, and to foster a sense of shared ownership.
Their communication approach is as strong as their actions—using social media, podcasts, printed materials, and face-to-face engagement to tell stories that reflect real experiences. Safiya emphasizes storytelling as essential: “You can’t step back and be silent. Sometimes you have to be loud. You have to shout, ‘Hear our stories and make the change,’ because that’s how you build impact.” Their message is clear—stories are tools of empowerment, and sharing them fuels collective progress.
Himmah is continuously working to create spaces and places where stories are not just told but celebrated; where the voices of their community fuel systemic change and influence policy in real ways. Their vision is for a future where the strength and resilience of the community are recognized and valued at every level.
Looking ahead, the Power to Prosper campaign offers a key platform to magnify these efforts—highlighting unseen challenges like hidden poverty, debt, and family struggles, and turning narratives into advocacy. Safiya and her team aim to build relationships, amplify community voices, and ensure policymakers listen to what the community needs to say.
Himmah is proof that collective action, authenticity, and shared purpose are the real engines of change. They stand firm, as leaders of their own futures, and architects of their own strength.Because when communities unite with purpose and pride, change isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.