For a decade, Greg Dunston and Marie Mckinzie were among the 8,000 people experiencing homelessness on the streets of San Francisco. At least they were, until millionaire Terry McGrath invited them to stay with him in his home.
Down on their luck
San Francisco has an infamous issue with homelessness. While being the richest city in America with a largely liberal population, many avert their eyes and refuse to support measures to remedy the issues causing it.
But instead of waiting on others to do something, Terry McGrath did his part to help.
He read an article in the San Francisco Chronicle about Greg Dunston and Marie Mckinzie, a lovely couple who defied the stereotypes of the type of who live on the street.
They weren't alcoholics or drug addicts and they didn't have mental health issues. They did have disabilities -- Dunston is blind in one eye and Mckinzie has a disease that makes it a struggle to walk -- but mainly they were down on their luck.
"The thing that struck me and got me right away was the love between Greg and Marie and how it was able to survive in probably one of the harshest environments on earth," McGrath told ABC News. "I could feel it."
So, McGrath did something unbelievable -- he invited them to stay with him in his $4 million home.
"There was no decision, there was no thought, there was no judgment. I was just like 'this is done,'" said McGrath, who was divorced and an empty nester so he had plenty of extra room.
"I didn't vet them. These are human beings and they're not serial killers. They want to get in out of the weather. They want a roof over their head. They want to be warm."
Dunston and Mckinzie were thrilled about McGrath's hospitality.
"We wanted to do that," Dunston said about moving into McGrath's home. "There are a lot of people out on the streets but they have no choice."
"I don't want to live on the streets. A lot of people do, but I want to get in. I love to cook a lot so I wanted a kitchen, bed and shower."
Marie Mckinzie
Discriminatory neighborhood
When the couple moved in, Taylor warned the local police force in his upper-class neighborhood that they were there with his permission. It was a good thing he did, because shortly after their arrival a neighbor called 911 on the couple simply for existing.
"I just pulled into the driveway and there's some strange folks hanging around the house," the neighbor said.
Another called police to say, "I just wanted to notify you that this woman is sitting at Lexford and Hampton ... She's smoking a cigarette -- could be drugs."
When McGrath heard one of the neighbor's complaints, he couldn't believe his ears. "I realized when she mentioned the word 'situation' that she was referencing Marie and Greg. And I said, 'What situation?' Are they vandalizing cars? Are they burglarizing homes?'"
He continued, "I just said, 'This is one of the most offensive conversations I've ever had.'"
According to a local journalist, Piedmont's residents are 74 percent white, 18 percent Asian and less than 2 percent Black.
Welcome to stay
At the time the article was released in early 2020, the formerly homeless couple had been living with McGrath for a year, and he had no plans to kick them out.
"They're like family. There's no way I'm going to let them go back to the street," he said. "Most people who know me well know it's easy to start and it's hard to finish. And I'm never not going to finish."
We can eliminate homelessness
San Francisco's homeless situation is truly a national disgrace, and those who say nothing can be done simply need to see this story for proof that individual acts of kindness are possible and will help.
No matter who they are or what decisions they've made in their life, everyone deserves a roof over their head if they want it.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.