Name: Ramon Aleman
Hometown: Miami, FL
Year: Junior
Age: 20
Major: Psychology and Marketing
Relationship Status: Single
Courtesy: Ramon Aleman
Her Campus (HC): Tell me about some of your campus involvements.
Ramon Aleman (RA): I’m in Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, president of the Unhoused Humanity club on campus, as well has the event coordinator for the Social Entrepreneurship club (both clubs are in their first year).
HC: Can you give me a brief description of what Unhoused Humanity is?
RA: Unhoused Humanity is an online crowd funding platform that connects donors to homeless individuals/families. Donors can actually see the picture/read the story of the people in need and receive a picture update when they transition into a home. The key is we work with people who are homeless but do have steady monthly income – they only need help with move in costs (first month rent + deposits) Once they have that they can continue to support themselves. We have housed 35 people so far and 100% have been able to stay in a home!
HC: What inspired you to start Unhoused Humanity?
RA: It all started when I was young and my parents told me that my grandfather had been without a home for a couple of years. But even more than that it was a conversation I had with a man named Andre who was homeless for years and had recently been able to get back on his feet. “Do you think the worst part of being homeless was not having food or a warm place to sleep? Not at all. The worst part was that no one even cared to look my way. I felt like I wasn’t a human, like I was no longer a part of society.” I vowed to eventually help start a movement to bring the unhoused back into humanity.
Courtesy: Ramon Aleman
HC: What is the most rewarding part about serving as Unhoused Humanity’s president?
RA: Getting to emotionally connect with the people that we are able to house. Knowing that you have made an impact in someone’s life is one of the most beautiful things a person can ever experience.
Courtesy: Ramon Aleman
HC: What advice would you give to someone looking to start his or her own nonprofit?
RA: Whether it’s a non-profit, for profit or anything in life. The best advice I have ever been given is “start where you are, with what you have. Just start.” It’s very simple but taking the first step is by far the hardest part. Once you do start, the momentum will just naturally begin to flow.
HC: Do you have any future plans for Unhoused Humanity?
RA: On November 16th we are launching a big campaign “50 homes in 50 days.” The aim is to raise around $50,000. If we can pull that off, we would ride the momentum and take Unhoused Humanity to a bigger city. The vision is to house everyone eligible in the United States.
HC: Aside from your campus involvements, what other activities do you enjoy?
RA: I’m a huge nature guy. I love hiking, diving and camping. I also really love going to music festivals – pretty excited for EDC coming up!
HC: What is something on your bucket list that you’re eager to accomplish?
RA: Definitely to climb Mount Everest.
HC: So tell me, what do you value most in a relationship?
RA: Someone who is passionate about something and is spontaneous. I like people who are always up for and adventure.
HC: What does your ideal date look like?
RA: Grabbing a big cup of Coffee and watching the sunrise. Then going on a hike – preferably on a fall day when the leaves have changed colors.
HC: Favorite restaurant in Tallahassee?
RA: Mayuri – It’s an Indian restaurant down Apalachee Parkway. Best Indian food I’ve ever had.
HC: What three words would your friends use to describe you?
RA: Adventurous, kind hearted and spontaneous.
HC: Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
RA: I teach Mediation at the homeless shelter.
HC: If you could spend a day with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
RA: Definitely Martin Luther King Jr. He is someone I have always looked up to.
HC: Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
RA: Bass pro shops – Lots of hiking gear!
If you’re interested in learning more or have any questions, check out the Facebook page and website for Unhoused Humanity.