--- title: Homeless Not Helpless: Hakki Akdeniz’s Inspiring Journey Now Told in a Children’s Book with A Portion of Proceeds Going to Support the Homeless description: Breaking news and analysis from time.com. Politics, world news, photos, video, tech reviews, health, science, and entertainment news. canonical: https://time.com/branded-content/bcc/homeless-not-helpless-hakki-akdenizs-inspiring-journey-now-told-in-a-childrens/ article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2026-06-18T14:28:30.261Z article:modified_time: 2026-05-25T07:35:21.227Z article:section: Branded Contributor Content og:title: Homeless Not Helpless: Hakki Akdeniz’s Inspiring Journey Now Told in a Children’s Book with A Portion of Proceeds Going to Support the Homeless og:description: Breaking news and analysis from time.com. 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They are at time.com/newsletters and are separate from a paid subscription.  Homelessness in the United States is currently at an all-time high, and the numbers are alarming. In just the past year, homelessness has risen by a record [18 percent](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4&ntv%5Fui=ac3a9281-0987-4919-be3d-fb6e100a8434&ntv%5Fa=LsUJAmY5vA9k0PA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYFs21hrFiOrNUQQMKMOTxOglxKllVdADLPFK7d0TrqDAR2ayio25F2eQ2AEh%5F5ys6lSzyfMDFQA3MlonQ2OXxr9F%5FZRA15MutvOQhuqHXr6uroEMnz4OP8cYlnUoCdtZJuaMopMaiKYsJAUSFbdIOcboT8EGG%5FM9IxLOt0rK4QWigdEJxjf9fGmv%5FGqoPhX8zapACglsMRoWtsBIzLhQTmZG0a8rH6mOJZBuUAFAM6%5FuWEwEQusfhFddJI4Kzvphv0BqkqqYd2wwLO8b%5Ff7BRt0RY7n3y1GourrL-VT-IGAU3Ez1zlDsdZWVrMFjDA05wUJLPkcDmXL48Lm67XPnnG%5FPlc8l0wQEzK-yFRvx-ju8ibrImVbSSosoTId6kqYY5RpCefOpjWy7PIlThE1c9Ho8Wk9QzybRLsPjX-vTYLWtbpKr8XghnhA433TIJmLwbAOcfTqumEjKVW8%5FemzkIE41vtbkTuY32JZA-wsWlJbFZNWb2IgqJpf-2W7BBNYza7MVjHW03yftPpn8WHCg23w=&ord=1951283684&ntv%5Fht=pikIagA&prx%5Fr=https://www.npr.org/2024/12/27/nx-s1-5241115/us-homeless-hud-housing-costs-migrants?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com), with more than 770,000 people unhoused. A sobering component of these rising numbers is the number of children who are homeless, which has jumped by 33 percent, making them the fastest-growing group in crisis. There are many factors at play, including skyrocketing housing costs, inflation, and natural disasters. However, homelessness is not simply about a lack of resources; it is also about how society views it. One person who understands the realities of homelessness firsthand is [Hakki Akdeniz](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4&ntv%5Fui=ac3a9281-0987-4919-be3d-fb6e100a8434&ntv%5Fa=LsUJAmY5vA9k0PA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYFs21hrFiOrNUQQMKMOTxOglxKllVdADLPFK7d0TrqDAR2ayio25F2eQ2AEh%5F5ys6lSzyfMDFQA3MlonQ2OXxr9F%5FZRA15MutvOQhuqHXr6uroEMnz4OP8cYlnUoCdtZJuaMopMaiKYsJAUSFbdIOcboT8EGG%5FM9IxLOt0rK4QWigdEJxjf9fGmv%5FGqoPhX8zapACglsMRoWtsBIzLhQTmZG0a8rH6mOJZBuUAFAM6%5FuWEwEQusfhFddJI4Kzvphv0BqkqqYd2wwLO8b%5Ff7BRt0RY7n3y1GourrL-VT-IGAU3Ez1zlDsdZWVrMFjDA05wUJLPkcDmXL48Lm67XPnnG%5FPlc8l0wQEzK-yFRvx-ju8ibrImVbSSosoTId6kqYY5RpCefOpjWy7PIlThE1c9Ho8Wk9QzybRLsPjX-vTYLWtbpKr8XghnhA433TIJmLwbAOcfTqumEjKVW8%5FemzkIE41vtbkTuY32JZA-wsWlJbFZNWb2IgqJpf-2W7BBNYza7MVjHW03yftPpn8WHCg23w=&ord=1951283684&ntv%5Fht=pikIagA&prx%5Fr=https://www.instagram.com/hakkiakdenizz/?hl=en). Born in a small village in Turkey, Akdeniz immigrated to Canada in the late 1990s, and he experienced numerous hardships, including homelessness. Akdeniz moved to New York City in 2001, but he was still facing hard times and spent many nights in shelters and on the streets. He passed nights at the Port Authority Bus Terminal and sought refuge at the Bowery Mission, a homeless shelter where he stayed for 96 days. Reflecting on this period of his life, Akdeniz recalls sleepless nights and profound hunger. “Even bread felt like a luxury,” he said. Even in those moments of uncertainty, he held on to hope. Determined to change his circumstances, Akdeniz secured a job as a dishwasher in a pizzeria. Through dedication and hard work, Akdeniz was able to transform his life. He founded [Champion Pizza](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4&ntv%5Fui=ac3a9281-0987-4919-be3d-fb6e100a8434&ntv%5Fa=LsUJAmY5vA9k0PA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYFs21hrFiOrNUQQMKMOTxOglxKllVdADLPFK7d0TrqDAR2ayio25F2eQ2AEh%5F5ys6lSzyfMDFQA3MlonQ2OXxr9F%5FZRA15MutvOQhuqHXr6uroEMnz4OP8cYlnUoCdtZJuaMopMaiKYsJAUSFbdIOcboT8EGG%5FM9IxLOt0rK4QWigdEJxjf9fGmv%5FGqoPhX8zapACglsMRoWtsBIzLhQTmZG0a8rH6mOJZBuUAFAM6%5FuWEwEQusfhFddJI4Kzvphv0BqkqqYd2wwLO8b%5Ff7BRt0RY7n3y1GourrL-VT-IGAU3Ez1zlDsdZWVrMFjDA05wUJLPkcDmXL48Lm67XPnnG%5FPlc8l0wQEzK-yFRvx-ju8ibrImVbSSosoTId6kqYY5RpCefOpjWy7PIlThE1c9Ho8Wk9QzybRLsPjX-vTYLWtbpKr8XghnhA433TIJmLwbAOcfTqumEjKVW8%5FemzkIE41vtbkTuY32JZA-wsWlJbFZNWb2IgqJpf-2W7BBNYza7MVjHW03yftPpn8WHCg23w=&ord=1951283684&ntv%5Fht=pikIagA&prx%5Fr=https://championpizzanyc.com/locations/), a beloved chain in New York City that is known for its exceptional quality and service. His success speaks to his hard work and the belief that no situation is permanent. “Without those experiences, I wouldn’t be who I am. Everything is possible in your life when you believe it; all you need is just to believe, even if no one else does,” he says. Beyond his entrepreneurial success, Akdeniz is known for giving back to the community, particularly to those experiencing homelessness. Akdeniz also has sought to inspire the next generation through storytelling. His children’s book, "Homeless Not Helpless," shares his journey in a way that is accessible to young readers. It discusses empathy, resilience, and the importance of seeing people for who they are rather than defining them by their circumstances. “I want kids to understand that being homeless doesn’t make someone less of a person. Everyone has a story. Everyone deserves kindness,” he says. A portion of the proceeds from the book is going towards supporting homeless initiatives’, “The bigger my businesses grow, the more people I can help in different ways,” he says. “And the more I give, the better I feel about myself and how my community is a healthier place for people to live and work. Isn’t that a beautiful circle?” Akdeniz’s impact reaches far beyond just his [businesses](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4&ntv%5Fui=ac3a9281-0987-4919-be3d-fb6e100a8434&ntv%5Fa=LsUJAmY5vA9k0PA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYFs21hrFiOrNUQQMKMOTxOglxKllVdADLPFK7d0TrqDAR2ayio25F2eQ2AEh%5F5ys6lSzyfMDFQA3MlonQ2OXxr9F%5FZRA15MutvOQhuqHXr6uroEMnz4OP8cYlnUoCdtZJuaMopMaiKYsJAUSFbdIOcboT8EGG%5FM9IxLOt0rK4QWigdEJxjf9fGmv%5FGqoPhX8zapACglsMRoWtsBIzLhQTmZG0a8rH6mOJZBuUAFAM6%5FuWEwEQusfhFddJI4Kzvphv0BqkqqYd2wwLO8b%5Ff7BRt0RY7n3y1GourrL-VT-IGAU3Ez1zlDsdZWVrMFjDA05wUJLPkcDmXL48Lm67XPnnG%5FPlc8l0wQEzK-yFRvx-ju8ibrImVbSSosoTId6kqYY5RpCefOpjWy7PIlThE1c9Ho8Wk9QzybRLsPjX-vTYLWtbpKr8XghnhA433TIJmLwbAOcfTqumEjKVW8%5FemzkIE41vtbkTuY32JZA-wsWlJbFZNWb2IgqJpf-2W7BBNYza7MVjHW03yftPpn8WHCg23w=&ord=1951283684&ntv%5Fht=pikIagA&prx%5Fr=https://www.instagram.com/wabinorihandroll/). He regularly organizes food drives, distributes meals to those in need, and works with local shelters to provide resources. “I know what it feels like to have nothing,” he shares. “That’s why I will always do what I can to help others. No one should feel invisible.” His philanthropic efforts have earned him recognition, but for Akdeniz, it’s never about accolades — it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives. Through his culinary ventures, including Champion Pizza, [Elia on the River](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4&ntv%5Fui=ac3a9281-0987-4919-be3d-fb6e100a8434&ntv%5Fa=LsUJAmY5vA9k0PA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYFs21hrFiOrNUQQMKMOTxOglxKllVdADLPFK7d0TrqDAR2ayio25F2eQ2AEh%5F5ys6lSzyfMDFQA3MlonQ2OXxr9F%5FZRA15MutvOQhuqHXr6uroEMnz4OP8cYlnUoCdtZJuaMopMaiKYsJAUSFbdIOcboT8EGG%5FM9IxLOt0rK4QWigdEJxjf9fGmv%5FGqoPhX8zapACglsMRoWtsBIzLhQTmZG0a8rH6mOJZBuUAFAM6%5FuWEwEQusfhFddJI4Kzvphv0BqkqqYd2wwLO8b%5Ff7BRt0RY7n3y1GourrL-VT-IGAU3Ez1zlDsdZWVrMFjDA05wUJLPkcDmXL48Lm67XPnnG%5FPlc8l0wQEzK-yFRvx-ju8ibrImVbSSosoTId6kqYY5RpCefOpjWy7PIlThE1c9Ho8Wk9QzybRLsPjX-vTYLWtbpKr8XghnhA433TIJmLwbAOcfTqumEjKVW8%5FemzkIE41vtbkTuY32JZA-wsWlJbFZNWb2IgqJpf-2W7BBNYza7MVjHW03yftPpn8WHCg23w=&ord=1951283684&ntv%5Fht=pikIagA&prx%5Fr=https://www.eliaontheriver.com/), Kaizen, and [Wabi Nori](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4&ntv%5Fui=ac3a9281-0987-4919-be3d-fb6e100a8434&ntv%5Fa=LsUJAmY5vA9k0PA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYFs21hrFiOrNUQQMKMOTxOglxKllVdADLPFK7d0TrqDAR2ayio25F2eQ2AEh%5F5ys6lSzyfMDFQA3MlonQ2OXxr9F%5FZRA15MutvOQhuqHXr6uroEMnz4OP8cYlnUoCdtZJuaMopMaiKYsJAUSFbdIOcboT8EGG%5FM9IxLOt0rK4QWigdEJxjf9fGmv%5FGqoPhX8zapACglsMRoWtsBIzLhQTmZG0a8rH6mOJZBuUAFAM6%5FuWEwEQusfhFddJI4Kzvphv0BqkqqYd2wwLO8b%5Ff7BRt0RY7n3y1GourrL-VT-IGAU3Ez1zlDsdZWVrMFjDA05wUJLPkcDmXL48Lm67XPnnG%5FPlc8l0wQEzK-yFRvx-ju8ibrImVbSSosoTId6kqYY5RpCefOpjWy7PIlThE1c9Ho8Wk9QzybRLsPjX-vTYLWtbpKr8XghnhA433TIJmLwbAOcfTqumEjKVW8%5FemzkIE41vtbkTuY32JZA-wsWlJbFZNWb2IgqJpf-2W7BBNYza7MVjHW03yftPpn8WHCg23w=&ord=1951283684&ntv%5Fht=pikIagA&prx%5Fr=https://wabinori.com/), Akdeniz is able to provide unique dining experiences while showing what it means to be resilient and generous. By sharing his story through “Homeless Not Helpless,” Akdeniz is building a generation of compassionate individuals who recognize the humanity in everyone, regardless of their circumstances. This serves as a reminder that while homelessness presents a significant challenge, collective action and understanding can pave the way for lasting change. “It’s not about how much you have — it’s about how much you can give” shares Akdeniz. “If you can help someone, you should.” By sharing his story, supporting those in need, and demonstrating through action that change is possible, Akdeniz is leaving a lasting impact. His work is a reminder that while homelessness remains a pressing issue, collective effort, compassion, and a strong will can create pathways to a better future. \*Investing involves risk and your investment may lose value. Past performance gives no indication of future results. 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