Breaking the Myth of “Bootstraps”
Society loves the idea of “pulling yourself up by the bootstraps.” But let’s be real bootstraps are an illusion. They don’t exist. No one climbs out of struggle alone. The real come up? It happens in the community. It happens when people invest in each other, when knowledge is shared, and when relationships are built through mentorship and support.
Yet, for too long, people in homeless and low-income situations have been seen as not worth the investment. The stigma says they’re too broken, too lost, or too lazy to make something of themselves. But from lived experience, I know the truth—hustle is alive and well in our communities. It has to be. Because when survival is on the line, you learn how to make a way out of no way.
But what if we moved beyond survival? What if we all had access to the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to thrive? What if we could all be bougie in our own way—appreciating the beauty in our own neighborhoods and traveling to admire the beauty in others? That’s the vision for the next step of Hot’s N Cot’s: a virtual volunteer platform that connects people through knowledge-sharing, mentoring, and coaching.
“No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank
A New Way to Volunteer: The Power of Connection
Traditional volunteering often looks like handing out food or donating clothes—and while those things are important, they don’t get to the root of the problem. Real change happens when people sit down, have conversations, and build relationships. When someone with experience in business, finances, or personal development takes the time to mentor someone who’s fighting to break the cycle of poverty, that’s when doors start opening. This virtual volunteer platform will be a safe space for uncomfortable conversations—a space where people can ask for guidance without judgment, where those with resources and knowledge can give back in ways that truly matter. Whether it’s learning how to start a business, navigate financial stability, or simply gain the confidence to take the next step, this platform will be a bridge between struggle and success.
To make this vision a reality, we need to raise $1,000 to build out the platform and ensure it’s accessible, engaging, and effective. This is more than just a website—it’s an investment in people. It’s a direct challenge to the stigma that low-income and homeless individuals aren’t worth the time or resources. Because the truth is, when people are given the right support, they rise. The hustle is already there. The drive to build a better life is already there. What’s missing is the access to guidance and mentorship that makes success sustainable.
Join the Movement
At Hot’s N Cot’s, we believe in community-powered change—and that’s why Holliday’s Hustle is stepping up with Impact Fashion. Through our exclusive merch lines, 100% of the profits go directly toward building resources like this virtual volunteer platform. Every hoodie, every T-shirt, every piece of Impact Fashion you wear is more than just clothing—it’s a statement, a movement, and a direct investment in the people who need it most.
So, if you believe in lifting each other up, in creating safe spaces for real conversations, and in breaking the cycle of poverty through mentorship and knowledge-sharing, this is your chance to be part of something bigger. Support the mission by shopping Impact Fashion, spreading the word, or donating directly.
Because the real come-up isn’t about bootstraps—it’s about each other.
