According to her father, Nicole Robinson has lived a extremely privileged life despite their modest middle-class status. To help his daughter begin to appreciate what she has, he forces Nikki to volunteer at a homeless shelter in downtown LA. Reluctantly, Nikki agrees, only to find herself thrown into the lives of countless poverty stricken people. Nikki eventually comes to care about these people, as if they were her own family. One boy in particular, Zachary Fisher, finds a special place in her heart and she quickly finds herself drawn to him. His happy go-lucky personality, despite his rough background and situation, inspires and captivates her. He is unlike anyone she has ever known and makes her rethink the abusive relationship she seems to be stuck in. Issues arise that threaten to ruin everything, and Nikki quickly realizes that you never know what you have, until its gone.