CHARLOTTE — Jeremy Chinn felt compelled to do something, after arriving in Charlotte in 2020, and was instantly confronted with widespread homelessness.
“I don’t know what interstate, but there was a tent row, tent city, and there were probably 200-300 tents under a bridge on this yard,” he said.
“I heard stories about people who would eat there and then rats would come and then it would become rat infected all over the place. It was just something that I feel hit home.”
What the 25-year-old witnessed in his new city only confirmed a passion that had already been tugging at his heart. His mother’s sister, whom he affectionally called “Auntie Keyia” died in 2021. Among other challenges, including addiction, she’d been battling homelessness.
“There are probably three people in my life that knew I would be (in the NFL) today,” Chinn said. “She was one of them.”
Light beamed through his eyes as he described the relationship the two fostered over the years – using words like “outgoing” and “super genuine” to describe his Aunt Keyia at her best.
“There are so many reasons and so many issues why people are homeless. Sometimes it’s hard for people to get a job. They may not even have an ID. "
“I asked my mom a couple of days ago, what was something Auntie Keyia needed that she didn’t have?”
Chinn’s mother responded with motivation, hope, and help with her recovery.
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In the last year, the Panthers safety launched The Jeremy Chinn Foundation, partnering with local agencies to support individuals and families in the Greater Charlotte Community who’ve been impacted by homelessness. Their mission has been to provide them with access to items they need but can’t afford, like beds, winter coats, and cleaning products.
Next month, the foundation will host its first fundraiser, Heart for the Homeless, a special reception at Steak 48 in Charlotte. The event will raise money to provide mattresses and cleaning supplies to Charlotte families seeking to live independently.
It’s a gift he’s bestowing in his Aunt Keyia’s honor.
“Even though we’re not together I’m still here for you and I’m still supporting you,” Chinn said of his aunt. “I’ll make sure the whole world knows that.”
The Jeremy Chinn Foundation is still accepting community partners and donations for a live auction at the event. You can learn more or reserve a space here.
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