Miley Cyrus reaching out to fans online over homeless issue

Pop star Miley Cyrus has been reaching out to fans via her Facebook.com page to thank homeless youths for sharing their stories online.

The Wrecking Ball hitmaker highlighted the social issue at the MTV Video Music Awards last month (Aug14), when she allowed homeless 22-year-old Jesse Helt to collect her Video of the Year prize on behalf of all displaced people across the U.S. and urge fans to donate to Los Angeles shelter, My Friend's Place.

It was subsequently revealed that Helt had a warrant out for his arrest for a probation violation in his native Oregon, and he ended up surrendering to police days later.

Cyrus refused to turn her back on her new friend and even helped to pay for his legal fees, and she has since been inundated with messages of support on her Facebook page from others who have experienced similar difficulties in their lives.

One fan, Michelle Burton, sympathised with Helt, writing, "Wanted or not it's probably from being homeless. Having to brake (sic) into abandoned houses to sleep when I was 15 was something I had to do don't go judging if you don't know there (sic) situation."

The singer made a point to personally respond to a number of the posts, and replied to Burton, "Exactly! Instead of rushing to judgment (sic), we need to look deeper."

Another devotee, named Tanya Robles, opened up about living in a van and having to use public bathrooms to clean herself, writing, "I know how it feels to be homeless. Be thankful for what you have", prompting Cyrus to write back, "Thank you for your support and for telling your story! Young people should be able to enjoy their youth without worrying where their next meal is coming from. This is why I chose (to support) MFP (My Friend's Place shelter in Los Angeles), so that we can put an end to youth homelessness."