Hollywood Popular Artists

Jun 20th 2013, 18:56

First Britney, then Gavin Degraw, and now Selena Gomez has joined the crew of awesome celebs who've given money to the homeless in recent weeks. There's something in the (fancy bottled) water, and we hope the stars keep drinkin' it!

While driving around L.A. yesterday, Selena pulled over to give money to a man on the sidewalk whose sign read, "First let me say good morning. Help, please, thank you...homeless." Her song may be titled "Come & Get It," but we love how the 20-year-old entertainer is also always down to "Come & Give It."

Although Selena assisted an elderly man, 39% of the U.S. homeless population is under 18, with almost half of them leaving home because of physical abuse. Although Selena was kind enough to give the man some cash, you don't have to donate bucks to help out! Hit up a local soup kitchen or donate used clothes to a homeless shelter or affordable secondhand store whenever possible. (I say "affordable" because here in L.A., used clothes often cost more than new ones. Damn you, hipsters, for making everything inexpensive cool, and thus expensive again!)

If you don't have any time or clothing to donate, help break a few common misconceptions of the homeless population by Tweeting some of these surprising facts:

+ According to the National Gay and Lesbian Taskforce, 26% of teens who come out to their parents are told to leave their homes.

+ According to DoSomething.org, over half of young people on the streets report that their parents told them to leave or knew they were leaving and didn't care.

+ According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, 1.4 million vets at risk of homelessness due to poverty and lack of mental health support networks.

Follow the Action Links below for more info on homelessness, and how you can give back like Selena!

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