5 Celebrities Who Advocate for Homelessness: Using Fame for Good

Celebrity support can bring money, media attention and new volunteers to organizations fighting homelessness. The strongest advocates go beyond one-time appearances by funding housing, serving with nonprofits or building long-term programs.

These five public figures have documented records of supporting people experiencing homelessness.

Celebrities Who Help Fight Homelessness

1. Jon Bon Jovi

Jon Bon Jovi and his wife, Dorothea, founded the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation in 2006 to address homelessness, hunger and poverty.

The foundation partners with nonprofit organizations to develop affordable and supportive housing. According to the foundation, its projects have helped support nearly 1,000 housing units across 12 states.

The couple also operates JBJ Soul Kitchen community restaurants. Customers can pay for their meals, volunteer in exchange for a meal or contribute toward someone else’s visit.

2. Prince William

Prince William launched Homewards through the Royal Foundation in 2023.

The five-year program works with six communities across the United Kingdom to demonstrate that homelessness can become rare, brief and unlikely to happen again.

Homewards brings local organizations, businesses and government agencies together to improve homelessness prevention, housing access and employment opportunities.

3. Richard Gere

Actor Richard Gere has supported homelessness organizations and affordable-housing initiatives for decades.

He is a longtime supporter of New York City’s Coalition for the Homeless and has participated in fundraising and public-awareness campaigns for the organization.

Gere also portrayed a man experiencing homelessness in the 2014 film Time Out of Mind. He used the film’s release to discuss social isolation, mental health, affordable housing and the importance of treating unhoused people with dignity.

4. Michael Sheen

Welsh actor Michael Sheen has repeatedly advocated for young people experiencing homelessness.

He served as an ambassador for End Youth Homelessness Cymru and helped launch a telephone service connecting young people in Wales with emergency housing advice and support.

Sheen also helped organize the 2019 Homeless World Cup in Cardiff. When funding became uncertain, he reportedly sold personal property to help ensure that the international event could proceed.

5. Jewel

Singer-songwriter Jewel experienced homelessness before becoming famous. After losing her job, she lived in her car while attempting to build a music career in San Diego.

Jewel has since spoken publicly about housing insecurity, survival and the emotional challenges that can accompany homelessness.

She has supported Covenant House campaigns benefiting homeless youth and co-founded the Inspiring Children Foundation, which provides mentoring, mental health support and educational opportunities for vulnerable young people.

Why Celebrity Advocacy Matters

Celebrities cannot end homelessness alone. Lasting progress requires affordable housing, prevention programs, mental health services, employment opportunities and effective public policy.

However, sustained celebrity involvement can help reputable organizations attract funding, reach larger audiences and challenge harmful stereotypes about people without stable housing.

Jon Bon Jovi, Prince William, Richard Gere, Michael Sheen and Jewel have each used their influence to support practical programs or bring greater attention to homelessness.

Correction and fact-check note: This article was reviewed and updated in July 2026. The previous version incorrectly stated that George Clooney founded the Homeless World Cup. He did not and has been removed from the list.