Kayla Everett knows how hard it is for unhoused people to find access to shelter. When her mom first moved to the U.S., she was homeless, moving through New York shelters with two children. That’s why the young entrepreneur has developed Care Assist — a tent that easily folds into a backpack— with the help of her fellow Canarsie High School students.
The project was made possible through Build, a nationwide non-profit program encouraging teens to create small businesses that give back to their communities. At the end of the year, student finalists present their business ideas at the BuildFest competition, and winners receive $2,000 to get their project off the ground.
“I love the fact that I can share a product that I’m also very passionate about,” Everett said.
In the video above, follow Everett’s journey, as she and her team work to launch Care Assist. Learn more about Build here.