In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a young boy’s simple observation has blossomed into a heartfelt mission to support the homeless community.

Nine-year-old Ty Kolonsky was struck by the gap between his own comforts and the hardships faced by those without shelter.

“I had three pillows, and the homeless had none,” he told his mother one evening.

That one moment of empathy sparked action. Ty decided to buy two pillows for people experiencing homelessness. His father, moved by the gesture, pledged to double his son’s donation—adding four more pillows. Then his grandmother, affectionately known as “Nana,” offered to purchase six. From there, the initiative snowballed.

Recognizing the potential to grow their impact, Ty’s mother shared the story on Facebook. The community responded with open hearts and open wallets, turning a simple act of kindness into a full-blown movement.

But this mission goes beyond providing physical comfort. For many people experiencing homelessness, a brand-new pillow means more than a place to rest their head—it’s a symbol of dignity, care, and reconnection to a community that often forgets them.

Many unhoused individuals feel isolated or disconnected from society. Small, personal gestures like Ty’s can help bridge that emotional gap in deeply meaningful ways.

The backdrop to Ty’s mission is a city struggling with a growing homelessness crisis. According to the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, the 2024 Point-in-Time count identified 1,026 individuals experiencing homelessness in the county—up from 913 in 2023. Of those, 857 were staying in emergency shelters, while 169 were unsheltered. Women and children, alarmingly, now make up the fastest-growing segment, comprising 57% of the county’s homeless population.

These rising numbers fueled Ty’s urgency—and reminded everyone watching that small, individual acts can ripple outward. His compassion has not only provided tangible relief but also inspired others to step up and help.

As Ty’s pillow drive continues to gain momentum, his story proves that age is no barrier to empathy—and that one thoughtful act can spark a wave of kindness in the face of even the most complex social challenges.