Paul Avila is the CEO and founder of Pauly's Project, a nonprofit inspired by his autistic son Pauly's connection to music.
Pauly is 26 years old, blind, and non-verbal, but Avila told KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan, "At a young age, we found out that Pauly seemed to be soothed by music. We throw the headphones on him, and he just got so happy."
While volunteering on Skid Row about ten years ago, Avila saw a homeless man with headphones on, and he said the moment, "Planted a seed in my heart."
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It made him think of his son, "Music was, you know, soothing him, and I just thought of Pauly." So, he decided to start Pauly's project, supplying battery-operated radios to those who could use a little pick-me-up.
Avila said for many homeless people, "This was their way to connect back to society - to hear the updated news, sports, and music that kind of puts you in a good mood."
Growing up, Avila said he remembers going to Skid Row with his mother to bring supplies to an uncle living there. "After he passed away, I said, man, I wanna go back to that area and kind of make a difference," and through Pauly's project, he is doing just that.
Pauly's project has expanded to deliver food, clothing, and hygiene products like shampoo and toilet paper to about 400 people every month.
Avila said, "There's so much purpose, passion, and meaning behind it... I know there's certain things I can't do with Pauly, you know, playing sports or driving a car...But this is what I can do to honor my son."
Pauly has also made a significant impact, inspiring many people. He was recently honored with a new mural in downtown L.A. - the latest of many.
Providing radio players, creating smiles, and helping a community in need - Paul Avila is our KNX Hero of the Week.
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