Zhane Carter’s nonprofit, Love for the Streets, has provided meals to the unhoused on Skid Row since 2021.
As an official 501(c)(3) organization, it operates without major funding or steady donors. Instead, it relies on Carter’s determination and a small team that includes her sister, Janaya Carter, and her friend Matthew Leyva.
Each week, she collects food donations from Trader Joe’s, packing as much as possible into her Tesla Model 3 before heading out to distribute meals.
“My community outreach offers healthy options like salads and fruits and brings essential nourishment that promotes healthier choices,” Carter says.
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Carter started the nonprofit after college with no prior experience running an organization. A former college basketball player, she had no structured plan, training, or financial backing—just a food donor and a small car to transport supplies.
She uses her credit cards and a recent gig at Uber Eats to support the business. Despite the financial strain, she remains committed.
“If I were making $50 to go down there [Skid Row], that would feel good, but I don’t make nothing,” notes Carter.
Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Carter earned associate degrees in behavioral science and liberal arts from West Los Angeles College before completing a bachelor’s degree in sociology at California State University, Dominguez Hills. She has been involved in humanitarian work since childhood, believing in direct action over financial incentives.
While a few celebrities have taken notice of her efforts, she has yet to secure persistent funding. Instead, she continues to operate on her terms, cooking meals at her mother’s house before making the long drive to Skid Row, a routine she follows daily.
“I love the grind of it because I know my time is coming,” she says.
She sets up tables on 6th Street, across from Midnight Mission—one of Los Angeles’ largest homeless service providers—and distributes freshly cooked meals, canned beverages, bread, pastries, fruits, vegetables, and more. Carter regularly serves over 75 people, and her presence is well known.
“I go to Midnight Mission, and I’m dealing with 75-plus people, especially in the daytime,” she says. Sometimes, her food pickups reach up to 5,000 pounds, requiring careful organization and distribution. Despite the exhausting preparation, she remains focused on the work.
“I serve meals like fettuccine and chicken,” she adds.
Carter also documents her outreach by capturing images of people’s hands reaching for food.
“These images preserve the authenticity of the moment and shift the focus to the act of giving and receiving,” she explains.
These visuals tell a deeper story about need, generosity, and connection for her. Every meal served is another step toward making a tangible impact, no matter the obstacles.
To support Zhane Carter’s nonprofit, Love for the Streets, visit loveforthestreets.co
