ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orlando native who now lives out of state makes the trip back every month for a cause that's been dear to her heart for more than a decade.

Jennifer Desire made it her mission to help the homeless by giving them food, haircuts, hygiene bags, and free COVID-19 and HIV screenings.

She said where there's a need, the miles don't matter.

The Orlando native lives in Atlanta now, but every month she finds herself coming back here.

"I've been doing this since I was 16. I'm 27 now. Like, it's definitely meaningful, and it's kind of part of my life now, so it's part of it. It's part of my life," said Desire.

The event offered free hygiene bags, free health screenings, food, and the opportunity to get a fresh hair cut. Just what Marjorie Thompson didn't know she needed.

"Can't afford to get a haircut. That's $10, $20," said Thompson.

"Well I'm gonna hook you up today with the best haircut you've ever had," said her stylist.

"I appreciate that," said Thompson.

Before she knew it, she had a look she felt proud of, and she was flaunting it too. She walked in with a need, and walked out with confidence.

"Oh yeah. It's nice! It feels really good. She cleaned me up! She did a good job," said Thompson.

Jennifer says the need seems to have increased because of the effects of the pandemic, and that's why she's got this army of volunteers to help her.

"I get calls, like random calls. 'Hey Jennifer, are you coming in town? Can you bring me some pants? Can you bring me some hygiene products?' I share my number with the homeless people in the area. I'm like 'if you need anything, call me'," she said.

Each month, it's an organized effort with a simple mission: supply, screen, and feed as many people in need as they can, until at the end of the day everything has been spoken for.

For information on upcoming 814 West Church Project events and how you can help, go to the group's website.