5 Famous Women Who Use Their Platforms to Advocate for Homelessness
Some celebrities do more than make a one-time donation. They establish nonprofits, serve on boards, raise money and use their public platforms to support people experiencing homelessness.
The five women below have documented histories of supporting organizations that address homelessness, particularly among young people and LGBTQ+ youth.
Famous Women Fighting Homelessness
1. Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper is one of the entertainment industry’s most established advocates for young people experiencing homelessness.
In 2008, Lauper co-founded True Colors United. The nonprofit develops solutions to youth homelessness while addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ young people.
The organization provides training and resources to homelessness service providers, advocates for supportive public policies and gives young people with lived experience opportunities to help shape solutions.
Lauper has also testified before Congress and publicly advocated for federal protections and funding for homeless youth.
2. Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus founded the Happy Hippie Foundation in 2014 to support homeless youth, LGBTQ+ youth and other vulnerable populations.
One of the foundation’s best-known partnerships is with My Friend’s Place, a Los Angeles organization serving young people experiencing homelessness. Happy Hippie has helped fund meals, clothing, employment assistance, creative programs and other essential services.
Cyrus also brought national attention to youth homelessness at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards when Jesse Helt, a young man who had experienced homelessness, accepted an award on her behalf.
3. Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga has used her music, public appearances and Born This Way Foundation to support vulnerable young people, including those experiencing homelessness.
In 2016, Gaga visited the Ali Forney Center, an organization providing housing and support to homeless LGBTQ+ youth in New York City. She brought supplies, spoke with residents and discussed the effects of trauma and mental health challenges.
Her foundation’s Channel Kindness Tour later supported community organizations providing housing, crisis intervention and other services to vulnerable young people across North America.
4. Audra McDonald
Actor and singer Audra McDonald is a longtime advocate for young people experiencing homelessness and a member of the Covenant House board of directors.
McDonald has repeatedly participated in Covenant House’s Sleep Out events, which raise money and awareness for young people without safe housing. In 2025, Covenant House reported that she was preparing for her tenth Sleep Out.
She has also helped lead entertainment-industry fundraising events supporting Covenant House shelters, meals, healthcare, education and employment programs.
5. Ariana DeBose
Academy Award-winning actor Ariana DeBose serves on the Covenant House International board of directors and regularly advocates for youth facing homelessness.
DeBose has participated in multiple Covenant House Sleep Out events and used her platform to raise awareness about the importance of safe housing and supportive communities.
According to Covenant House, its programs provide shelter, food, healthcare, education, job training and other services designed to help young people build stable futures.
Celebrity Advocacy Can Create Real Support
Celebrity involvement does not solve homelessness by itself. However, sustained advocacy can bring attention, funding and new supporters to organizations doing the daily work.
Cyndi Lauper, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Audra McDonald and Ariana DeBose have each contributed through nonprofit leadership, fundraising, public education or direct involvement with service organizations.
The most useful next step for readers is to learn about reputable homelessness organizations in their own communities and ask what resources are currently needed.
Fact-check note: This article was reviewed and updated in July 2026 using information published by True Colors United, the Happy Hippie Foundation, Born This Way Foundation and Covenant House.