Kam Pruitt, 26, grew up in the San Fernando Valley. As a first-generation college student at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), he has at times felt alone and unsure, not knowing if he would be able to accomplish a college education. 

During his time at college, Kam worked many jobs on campus to supplement his income. He paid for his undergraduate education and living expenses with various scholarships, eventually graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 2022. 

Kam then decided to obtain a master’s degree when a professor recommended that he pursue postgraduate education. “That’s when things started getting serious,” remembered Kam. 

No longer an undergraduate student, he was unable to receive financial aid. As a former foster youth, he was also not able to qualify for the transitional housing program that sustained him during his time as an undergraduate student.

“I had a desperate need for housing, suffered from food instability, and truly needed help. In 2024, I became homeless. I lost my job, lived in my car, and I wanted to give up.”

Kam was depleted with no resources – he did not have family in the area, and did not want to abandon his dream of a higher degree, as he was so close to the end of his educational goal.

Through the school’s resource department, a professor provided Kam with information on the Seed House Project. The professor told him about Garrett Underwood, the founder of the Los Angeles nonprofit organization, who was also a fellow graduate of CSUN.

Offering housing, meals, therapy, educational programs, academic support, and career readiness tools, Kam discovered that the Seed House Project was an absolute good fit for him. 

“When I found out that I was accepted into their program, the biggest weight was lifted from my shoulders,” he sighed. “I had the chance to get my life together.”

Set to graduate with his master’s degree in the summer, Kam’s plans for the future include working in the non-profit sector because he values what the Seed House Project has given to him and helped to create a path out of poverty. 

These opportunities were made possible through the direct support of Seed House Project partners: the Amity Foundation, Anthony Pritzker Family Foundation, California Community Foundation, Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation, George Hoag Family Foundation, Hilton Foundation, Mayer Foundation, Ralph M. Parson’s Foundation, and the Reissa Foundation. 

We are so grateful for our partners’ commitment and generosity, creating a successful path for Kam, and for so many others served by Seed House Project programs! Without you, our programs would not be possible.