Before he became a star running back, Najee Harris was a kid without a home.
"GRIP helped out me and my family," Harris recalled. "We were just trying to have a roof over our head."
GRIP is the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program, located in Richmond, California. The shelter is part of a multi-service agency that cares for 15,000 homeless, hungry, and low-income individuals annually and works to eradicate homelessness and revitalize the community through supportive care, vital services and job training.
Harris, his siblings and his mother once lived there. And earlier this fall, he gave back to the facility in partnership with Lowe's as a member of the Home Team.
This Home Team project was among those done in collaboration with Lowe's 100 Hometowns initiative. From improving an outdoor playground with a mural, table and chairs, to replacing the entire carpet and vinyl flooring throughout the shelter and kitchen, this project furthers GRIP’s mission to serve individuals in need.
"(Najee) was homeless at one time and look where he is now," said Nicole Jones, GRIP executive assistant. "To see Najee giving back, that gives kids hope."
