In 2013, Erica Robbins moved to downtown Birmingham. Her home had a view of the highway, but it was what was happening under the highway that caught her attention. Robbins would look out of her window and notice someone sitting under the bridge. Her caring heart led her to check on him.

The man under the bridge had served in the military, was married, and had children. After returning home from war, he struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder. He was unable to be confined to small spaces. He only felt comfortable outside. Robbins began to call him neighbor, affectionately.

After volunteering at shelters, Robbins felt unfulfilled. She used her social media to ask friends and family to help collect essential hygiene items. She would drive around the city looking for people who needed donations. Eventually, they began looking for her. This was the beginning of Be A Blessing Birmingham.