A TikTok star has given a homeless woman on Skid Row in Los Angeles, California, the opportunity to reclaim her life, documenting their interactions in a series of viral videos on TikTok.
Isaiah Garza—a jewelry designer, philanthropist, and entrepreneur from downtown Los Angeles with over 4 million followers—started visiting Robin Clayton on Skid Row in August 2020, and he fell in love with her infectious positivity.
“She just has a way of making you smile whenever you’re around her,” Garza told KABC. “She’s hilarious.”
Isaiah Garza with Robin Clayton on Skid Row, Los Angeles. Courtesy of Isaiah Garza
Troubled by the effect the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, pandemic was having on the homeless community, Garza had driven around in hopes of finding someone to help. Clayton, citing a toxic relationship for being homeless, became the ideal candidate.
Garza started out driving by Clayton with gifts. On separate occasions, he presented the woman, who has been homeless for over 10 years, with a new pair of shoes, new clothes, an appointment to get her hair and nails done, a new smartphone, over $500 in cash, flowers, and a hotel room.
However, the gifts were all leading up to Garza’s great ambition to get Clayton into an apartment before the holidays. To help reach his goal, Garza, who works with some of Hollywood’s elite, started a GoFundMe campaign.
“Little do people know, she has struggled her entire life,” Garza explained. “She lost her child when her daughter was only 2 years old and has been a victim of abuse. She was forced out on the streets trying to escape the abuse.
“Donations will go towards a two year long apartment lease,” he detailed, “food, furniture, car, healthcare, her starting a business, and much more.”
The philanthropist’s fund gathered momentum. Garza has raised over $58,000 and was able to present Clayton with the keys to her new apartment in Boyle Heights just in time for Christmas. A video has documented the time when Garza hands over the house keys to Clayton, who was initially in disbelief but later overcome with emotion. After seeing the apartment, Clayton, who was really excited, shares that she loves her new apartment.
Sharing lunch, the pair said “cheers” over a hot cappuccino, with Garza documenting the happy moment in a video for TikTok. “Here’s to new beginnings, housing, and helping others,” Clayton toasted.
Perhaps best of all, Garza and Clayton’s heartwarming friendship is enduring into the future; the pair are teaming up in 2021 to help others overcome homelessness. With plans for a business venture of her own, Clayton also has the chance to become financially independent.
Clayton told KABC that she felt “really overwhelmed” by the whole experience. “Due to my past, the things that I’ve been through, and just conquering all of that and being able to just be here today is a miracle,” she expressed.
