Two People Turn Storage Unit Surplus into Daily Help for Hundreds

What started as a simple observation about waste has grown into a lifeline for hundreds of people every day. Shula Kitkowska and Louis Peralta — who himself experienced homelessness — founded Up 2 Us Neighbors after discovering that perfectly usable items discarded from storage units could be redirected to people who desperately needed them.

The organization now fields approximately 100 requests daily for clothing, cribs, household items, shoes, and other essentials from people who are rebuilding their lives. Whether someone is transitioning out of homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or simply struggling to make ends meet, Up 2 Us Neighbors works to match available items with specific needs.

“Shula Kitkowska and Louis Peralta — who himself experienced homelessness — founded Up 2 Us Neighbors after discovering that perfectly usable items discarded from storage units could be redirected to people who desperately needed them.”

Louis Peralta's personal experience with homelessness gives the organization a unique perspective and authenticity. Having lived without a permanent home himself, he understands firsthand the dignity that comes from having basic necessities — a warm coat, a pair of shoes that fits, a crib for a baby. This empathy drives the organization's approach, which treats every request with respect and urgency.

The supply side of the equation is equally innovative. Storage units are a massive industry, and when renters fail to pay or abandon their units, the contents are often discarded or auctioned off in bulk. Up 2 Us Neighbors has built relationships with storage facilities to intercept items that would otherwise end up in landfills, creating a sustainable pipeline of goods for redistribution.

The model addresses two problems simultaneously: it reduces waste by diverting usable goods from disposal, and it provides essential items to people who cannot afford them. This circular approach to community support has proven remarkably effective, with demand growing steadily as word spreads about the organization's services.

The story of Up 2 Us Neighbors illustrates how grassroots innovation, combined with personal experience and compassion, can create scalable solutions to persistent social challenges. Kitkowska and Peralta have shown that sometimes the best ideas come from simply paying attention to what is being wasted and connecting it with who needs it most.