Katina Holliday, the founder and CEO of Holliday’s Helping Hands (HHH), has built one of Southern California’s most impactful minority-led nonprofits, rooted in compassion and firsthand experience addressing mental health, homelessness, and rehabilitation. Growing up in Aberdeen, Mississippi, Katina learned the power of community care from her grandmother, whose unwavering generosity left a lasting impression. Since launching HHH in 2018, Katina has transformed the lives of unhoused individuals, pregnant women, and those reentering society after incarceration, providing not just housing but also mental health support and workforce training to help clients regain independence and purpose.
A Natural Transition From Nursing to Nonprofit Work
Katina’s journey from nursing to founding HHH was a natural progression. As a nurse practitioner, she worked within an organization similar to HHH, where she played a pivotal role in shaping policies and daily operations. However, Katina felt that something was missing in the care being provided to vulnerable populations.
“My transition from nursing to working with the homeless population was a natural progression,” Katina explains. “I wanted to create an organization that not only focused on physical health but also provided hope, faith, and a sense of purpose to those we served. My background in nursing, particularly in recuperative care, helped me mold and structure a facility that effectively serves the homeless community in Los Angeles County.”
Her experience in healthcare gave her the insight to develop a holistic model of care that addresses not only physical health but also the emotional and mental well-being of her clients. This comprehensive approach sets HHH apart from traditional homeless shelters.
Addressing Homelessness Beyond Just Housing
At HHH, the mission extends beyond simply providing shelter. Katina firmly believes that stability, job opportunities, and mental health support are essential in breaking the cycle of homelessness.
“Housing alone isn’t enough to break the cycle of homelessness—people need stability, job opportunities, and mental health support to sustain themselves in the long term,” Katina emphasizes.
Many HHH clients face barriers to employment due to mental health challenges, lack of job skills, or past traumas. HHH assesses each individual’s capacity to work and provides workforce training where applicable. For those unable to work, alternative paths to stability are offered.
“Our goal is to empower individuals to become contributing members of society and achieve long-term independence,” Katina adds. This “hand up” approach reflects Katina’s belief that people deserve the tools and support to rebuild their lives with dignity.
The Shine Ambassador Program: A Path to Empowerment
One of HHH’s standout initiatives is the Shine Ambassador Program, which equips individuals with real-world job skills in food service, landscaping, customer service, and more. The program empowers clients to transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency through meaningful employment and life skills.
“One of the most touching success stories comes from our nursing school program,” Katina shares. “We recently had a student graduate from the HHH School of Nursing. Through the program, she learned CPR, and shortly after, she was able to save the life of a client’s baby. That moment alone reinforced the power of education and training in transforming lives.”
Beyond individual success, the Shine Ambassador Program has helped clients secure stable jobs, save money, and move into independent housing without government assistance. These outcomes highlight the sustainable change that HHH strives to create.
Navigating Challenges in Leadership
Running a nonprofit with a 200-person workforce and eight housing facilities presents significant challenges. Staffing remains one of the most pressing issues, especially when it comes to retaining direct support staff who are on the front lines, ensuring clients receive consistent care.
“The reality is that living wages in Los Angeles are significantly higher than minimum wage, making retention a challenge,” Katina notes.
Another major challenge is securing permanent housing for clients. Even when clients receive housing vouchers, the availability of affordable housing remains limited.
“Navigating these obstacles requires persistence, advocacy, and continuous efforts to provide resources that help bridge the gap,” Katina says. Her leadership is defined by resilience and a commitment to finding creative solutions to complex problems.
Advice for Future Changemakers
As a leader in minority-led nonprofit work, Katina encourages others to lead with authenticity and service.
“The most important thing to remember is that true leadership is about service. If your heart is in the right place, and you genuinely want to help others, success will follow,” she advises.
She emphasizes starting with small actions—volunteering at a homeless shelter, helping a neighbor, or contributing to the community in meaningful ways.
“Leading by example is crucial. People follow what they see, not just what they hear. As a minority leader, demonstrating strong work ethic, integrity, and dedication will inspire others to take action as well.”
A Legacy of Service and Generosity
Katina’s dedication to helping others is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Her grandmother’s example of generosity and care for those in need shaped Katina’s perspective on service and community.
“My grandmother was a major influence in my life—she had a heart for helping people, no matter their background, race, or circumstances. I watched her feed a man named Simon and his family every single day, giving them the same meals we ate and treating them like family,” Katina recalls.
This early experience instilled a sense of responsibility to uplift others, which Katina carries forward through her work at HHH.
When asked about a possible connection to the legendary Doc Holliday, Katina responds with a smile: “I’m not entirely sure! While I do have family in California, my roots are in Mississippi. Regardless, the name Holliday represents resilience and impact, and I take great pride in carrying that forward in a way that makes a difference in people’s lives.”
Katina Holliday’s Lasting Impact
Katina Holliday’s transition from healthcare to nonprofit leadership reflects her deep commitment to addressing the root causes of homelessness and empowering individuals to reclaim their lives. Through Holliday’s Helping Hands, she has built a legacy of hope, resilience, and transformation—proving that true healing comes from more than just shelter; it comes from restoring purpose and dignity.
Under Katina’s leadership, HHH stands as a testament to the power of compassionate care and the lasting impact of empowering individuals to thrive.
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