Keesha Marcelle Bennett is the first to admit that she doesn’t have all the answers, but when it comes to her mission, she’s crystal clear: to help those who have been forgotten.
For over a year, Bennett has been feeding Pittsburgh’s unhoused population. What started as occasional acts of kindness by her and her husband became a more profound commitment after the Pittsburgh Police moved a large unhoused encampment by the parkway.
“The way that they moved them, throwing their stuff everywhere and treating them the way they treated them, enraged me,” she explained. “I felt like they didn’t have a voice.”
Bennett understands what it’s like to feel voiceless. At 18, she, too, faced homelessness.
“I didn’t know where my next meal was coming from…I don’t want anybody else to feel like that.”
From Passion to Culinary Entrepreneurship
In 2021, Bennett moved back to Pittsburgh from Philadelphia after overcoming an arduous battle with breast cancer. That’s when she decided to follow her passion for cooking. She launched her catering business Peacefulplatez, and enrolled in the 2024 Catapult Culinary cohort to network with other entrepreneurs and sharpen her skills.
In addition to purchasing food herself, Bennett gathers food donations from people and organizations across Pittsburgh, transforming them into the same kind of delicious meals that she cooks for her family, friends, and catering customers.
As she started getting more involved with helping Pittsburgh’s unhoused population, calling for donations and support from the community via social media, Catapult Executive Director Tammy Thompson took note and offered support.
Dedicating Yield Funds to the Cause
In March of 2024, Catapult awarded $5,000 in funds from Yield Giving to Bennett’s cause. With that money, Bennett has already been able to feed over 300 people and buy shower bags, tents, beds, shoes, toiletries, solar-powered chargers, and other essential items.
These supplies have proven critical, especially as many in Pittsburgh’s unhoused community distrust government services.
“I always ask them what they need because I can’t assume that I know,” Bennett noted. “People remember me and know that I am a safe space and a person they can talk to because I’m just a regular person, one decision away from being them.”
Continuing the Mission
When asked about where she wants to take the initiative next, Bennett says she doesn’t have a grand plan but knows that wraparound services — like mental health support, housing assistance, financial counseling, substance abuse treatment, and more — will be key to getting individuals on a path to success.
She also hopes to inspire others to join her mission.
As Allegheny County’s unhoused population rises, Bennett’s call to action comes at a crucial time. According to Allegheny County Analytics, as of January 30, 2024, 1,026 individuals were staying in emergency shelters or experiencing unsheltered homelessness, compared to 913 in 2023. An increase in the number of individuals staying in emergency shelters was largely responsible for this increase.
If you feel inspired by Bennett’s story, here’s her advice for how you can help:
First and foremost, be kinder to people experiencing homelessness.
Create care packages with food, toiletries, feminine products, and other essential items.
Message her on Instagram, Facebook, or via email at [email protected] to volunteer and make donations.
