We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful David Rivera. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with David below.
Hi David , thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The Hood Squad 216 is a nonprofit 501(c)3 that drives around Northeast Ohio and surrounding counties to bring hot showers to our unsheltered homeless communities and inner cities. We also do street outreach and provide sub zero clothing in the winter and fashionable clothes in the summer. Being homeless totally sucks, as i personally experienced it firsthand. We love putting smiles on people’s faces, along with a fresh shower and clean clothes daily while people are experiencing tough times.
David , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I started The Hood Squad 216 in 2020. So your probably asking yourself why would someone name their non profit 501 c3 The Hood Squad 216 we’ll It means (H)elping (O)ur (O)wn (D)evelopments (S)peak (Q)uality (U)plift the youth (A)ccomplish goals & (D)ecisions and 216 is our area code. We our a mobile 24/7 rain, snow or shine. I experienced homelessness in 2014 until 2015 living on the streets of the east coast and was taking showers in fast food restaurants bathrooms I didn’t want anybody else to experience that. So I wanted to start a non profit 501 c3 to bring hot showers, clothing, food & care products to the homeless and inner city communities without leaving anyone left behind. We have collaborated with many different organizations and here our the numbers 15,000 + Meals served with Luis Gonzalez and Luis Gonzalez Jr Directors of the Hunger Center in 2020 & 2021. In 2021 & 2022 Participated in National Night Out. In 2021 & 2022 Stop the Violence Against Asian Hate. In 2021 & 2022 Voices Against Violence. In 2022 Jkl program speaking to youth (John Adams High school) In 2022 Helping rebuild Puerto Rico. In 2023 collaborated with the Ques with 1st Annual day party for the homeless. We provide 40+ showers monthly 10+ showers weekly. Bringing smiles to peoples faces is the biggest reason why we do what we do.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Everyone always preached to me as a kid and teenager that if you don’t go to school you’ll be homeless found that to be far from the truth. Anyone from anywhere any profession can be homeless. So today when I see someone that’s homeless I make it my job to have a small conversation with that person and let them know not to give up if I can do so can you.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Just be yourself people will always relate to authenticity. Tell stories about yourself what motivates you to do what you do 
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: Thehoodsquad216