Pop singer Halsey opened up about her time as a homeless teenager during the Ending Youth Homelessness: A Benefit for My Friend’s Place gala Saturday night.
Halsey compared her life during her homeless years to her friends’ that were in college at the Los Angeles benefit, according to E! News.
“My friends were picking out decorations for their dorms, and I was debating on whether or not I should let a stranger inside of me so I could pay for my next meal,” Halsey said. (RELATED: These Are The Performers Taking The Stage At Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2018)
“It wasn’t because I did something bad,” she continued. “It wasn’t because something was wrong with me, and it wasn’t because my parents didn’t love me — because they did very much. But a series of unfortunate circumstances lead me to be in that position, and it can happen to absolutely anyone.”
Halsey revealed in 2016 to Rolling Stone magazine that her parents kicked her out of the house when she was 19-years-old after she dropped out of community college.
The pop singer told the audience that while it is important for everyone to have a creative outlet, her story about going from a homeless teenager to a record-selling pop artist isn’t why we should be helping the homeless.
“I know better than anyone how important having a creative outlet is when you’re in a time of need, but this is so much bigger than arts and crafts,” Halsey said. “This is life or death, and I hope that you take it very, very seriously. I really do.”