Ahead of Her Long-Awaited Live Return, Miley Cyrus Takes Us Inside Her Philanthropic Focus: ‘There Is Much More to Do’

Miley Cyrus is leveraging her platform to deepen her commitment to combating youth and women’s homelessness in Los Angeles, marking a significant chapter in her philanthropic journey. The artist’s dedication, which began over a decade ago, recently surged forward with new leadership roles and substantial financial contributions to local organizations dedicated to these causes.

Cyrus’ philanthropic focus gained widespread attention in 2014 when she made an unexpected gesture at the MTV Video Music Awards. Rather than accepting her Video of the Year award for “Wrecking Ball” personally, she invited Jesse Helt, a young man who had formerly experienced homelessness, to accept it on her behalf. This moment sparked public awareness and donations toward My Friend’s Place (MFP), a Los Angeles community center offering vital services to homeless youth.

Building on this momentum, Cyrus founded the Happy Hippie Foundation, now integrated into her broader Miley Cyrus Foundation (MCF). Through these organizations, she has continuously supported MFP and, more recently, the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC), which provides housing and comprehensive support to women exiting homelessness.

In October 2026, the partnership between Cyrus and these nonprofits took a prominent step with the announcement of a new MFP campus dedicated to youth experiencing homelessness. Cyrus was named Honorary Chair of this initiative, underscoring her long-term investment in creating safe and resource-rich environments for vulnerable populations.

Just days later, Cyrus and her mother, Tish Cyrus, were honored at DWC’s annual gala, a pivotal event that raised $2.2 million towards the organization’s HOME campaign. The Miley Cyrus Foundation’s $1 million donation is earmarked for Rosa’s Place, a housing development in Los Angeles’ Skid Row featuring 97 apartments designed to support women and survivors transitioning out of homelessness. Both Cyrus and her mother have taken an active role in shaping the project’s design, emphasizing comfort and dignity for future residents.

The impact of Cyrus’ involvement extends beyond financial support. Heather Carmichael, MFP’s executive director, describes the singer’s advocacy as transformative for those often overlooked by society. The visibility and compassion Cyrus brings have resonated deeply with individuals who benefit from these programs, fostering a sense of recognition and hope.

Adelene Bertha, a senior peer support specialist at DWC and a former MFP participant, highlighted the authenticity of Cyrus and her mother’s commitment during the gala. Their genuine engagement with the community and responsiveness to the needs of those they serve reinforce the lasting nature of their support.

Tish Cyrus, reflecting on her involvement, expressed that her work alongside her daughter fulfills a personal mission of creating safe spaces, inspired by her own experience as an adoptee who values the meaning of home. This personal connection fuels the family’s shared dedication to providing stability and care for marginalized women and youth.

DWC CEO Amy Turk praised Miley Cyrus as a formidable advocate whose empathy and curiosity drive meaningful progress. The gala’s success—the most significant in the organization’s nearly five-decade history—illustrates the growing community investment in addressing homelessness with dignity and comprehensive support systems.

As Miley Cyrus prepares for her highly anticipated return to live performance at the Hollywood Bowl, she reflects on the full-circle nature of her philanthropic work. Playing near the sites where her charitable efforts began strengthens her resolve to continue expanding the reach of her foundation, focused on the city she calls home.

With a decade-plus commitment and recent escalations in funding and involvement, Cyrus exemplifies how artists can harness their influence to effect tangible change in their communities. While celebrating milestones, she acknowledges that the journey is ongoing, with much left to accomplish in addressing the urgent needs of the homeless population in Los Angeles.