Tristan Kabesa

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mr. Kabesa developed a soft spot for the less fortunate at a very young age. Growing up in a Christian household and realizing that wealth wasn’t complacent if not shared with others, he began purchasing ice cream on a weekly basis for all of the neighborhood’s less fortunate friends. “Coming to America” at the age of 14; Washington D.C, one of the highest rated places in the country with homelessness, is where he landed.

Moving to Charlottesville in the year 2017, Tristan decided to make Charlottesville his home. One summer afternoon in 2018, walking the downtown mall with a $20 bill and 2 cans of corn looking for someone to be a blessing to, Come As You Are (CAYA) was formed. He came across a young lady sitting with a dog and a sign. Offering her the money and the cans of corn, she replied “you’re so sweet. Do you see that couple over there? They haven’t made anything all day. I made $8, I’m fine. Please give it to them.” He did as she requested, but came back to sit with her for 2 hours, exchanged information, and kept in touch until the day she passed away from cancer.

That day, he learned the beauty in selflessness, that despite one’s own struggle, always pay it forward. That very moment, he decided to be the voice for the silent sufferers of homelessness, and the marginalized population.