Growing up, Cathedral Catholic High School student Makena Diehl ‘18 longed to help other people, a passion which has resulted in her launching the nonprofit, philanthropic organization SOLE2SOUL (S2S) to assist San Diego’s homeless population and to combat global poverty.

“It doesn’t surprise me that someone like Makena would start an organization that is geared toward helping people,” CCHS student Emily Smedley ‘18 said. “She is one of the most thoughtful and selfless individuals I have ever met. Once she sees something she wants to change or encounters someone she wants to help, she will work tirelessly to make her goals reality.”

Diehl founded S2S as a way to promote change for homeless individuals throughout San Diego and other third world countries. In a society of destruction, improving one’s backyard like Diehl not only pulls communities together, but surrounding nations as well.

“Ever since I was a child, I have witnessed the lives homeless individuals endure,” Diehl said. “I wanted to put my passion for helping into action by creating S2S. Over a period of nine months, I prepared, and grew a stronger love for my organization before launching in January of 2017.”

Although Diehl’s just recently launched her organization, she already has made goals, setting her sights on future endeavors and striving to involve the CCHS faith community.

“The growth I have witnessed is truly amazing,” Diehl said. “I hope this organization reaches its primary goal: change. I want to impact the lives of individuals facing poverty and homelessness. Through donations and monthly distributions, I hope to achieve this.”

In fact, S2S recently announced a new partnership to expand the group’s mission globally.

Wilkins Ombongi, a pastor from Kisii, Kenya, contacted Diehl to inquire about ways his parish could become associated with S2S. With poverty increasing in Kenya, Mr. Ombongi reached out in hopes of improving Kenyans’, especially the young, moral and quality of education.

Mr. Ombongi expressed a need to aid more than 200 kids attending his newly established Christian school, Diehl said. In addition, he offered to organize a pen-pal program between children attending his school and members of S2S in order to build relationships between members of the two organizations.

“We are more than thrilled to be offered this fabulous opportunity and is amazed by the growth the organization has surpassed in just one week,” Diehl said.

According to Diehl, accomplishing the outift’s goals will fulfill the needs of these 200 African children. Toward that end, S2S is now accepting donations for scholastic items, shoes, clothes and toiletries.

Moreover, the CCHS administration has committed to helping S2S in its philanthropic endeavors through the school’s designated “Donation Days,” a time when Dons can bring necessities to labeled bins. Then, these items will be distributed to San Diego homeless men, women, and children.

Diehl hopes the generosity of CCHS students will alleviate the stress and concerns of the homelessness in San Diego county and around the globe.

“I’m so proud of her for starting this organization,” CCHS student Kiki Carney ‘18 said. “She recognized something in the world that could use a little help, and she jumped right on it.

“She’s such an inspiration, and I’m so happy to call her one of my friends.”