Student Bumps Into Former Teacher Now Left Homeless By Pandemic - Gets Him Back On His Feet
After seeing a fond former teacher down on his luck, one student helped rescue and repay him in an unforgettable fashion.
En route to work every day, Steve Nava noticed something peculiar: a man sitting in a vehicle near his house. With time, he realized that he wasn't carpooling or waiting for someone.
I noticed that he had all of his belongings in his car, and that's when I realized he was homeless.
Steve Nava to NBC Los Angeles.
Out of place
When he looked closer, Nava realized that it wasn't just anyone, rather José Villaruel, affectionately known as 'Mr. V,' a former substitute teacher in Southern California.
After talking to him, Nava learned that Villaruel was homeless during the pandemic and was living out of his car. Yet, Nava found out that it wasn't the worst part.
"I spoke to Mr. V, and he told me that the only source of income was a monthly Social Security check, and that most of that money was sent to his wife who is very ill in Mexico."
They rallied around Mr. V
Hearing his plight, Nava's decision was simple.
I had a mission to help the teacher who was going through a difficult time during the pandemic.
- Steve Nava
With that, he found him a hotel and gave him $300. However, Nava didn't stop there as he took to Twitter asking his peers for help along with starting a GoFundMe page.
“Mr. V was a great, funny, and helpful educator and substitute teacher in the Fontana Unified School District,” Nava wrote. “He’s struggled with getting back on his feet after the pandemic hit and has been living in his car ever since, despite the brutal weather and living conditions. This fundraiser is to help him out financially and (to get him) back to normal life.”
A life-changing birthday gift
The reaction was overwhelming. Former students shared fond memories of Mr. V.
One former student tweeted "Made me shed a tear knowing he subbed for my classes easily a dozen times. And crazy my lil bro also got subbed by him in hs few years after💔."
"He was always so sweet when I had him as a sub :( Thank you so much for looking out for him I hope you reach your goal for him!!!" added another.
Along with students, county employees, the Sheriff's office, and even the Fontana mayor's office got involved spreading the word.
The efforts paid off, raising $27,000 in just three days, crushing Nava's goal of $15,000.
As destiny would have it, Villaruel’s birthday was that week. So, surrounded by former students, he was presented with the check for $27,000 amidst a chorus of "Happy Birthday." It was a gift like no other.
It is an experience of my life that will be kept for the rest of my life. I carry it in my heart. I felt that something was going to happen, that things were going to change, and it happened suddenly when I least expected it.
José 'Mr V' Villaruel
Pay it forward
Nava told TODAY that the message sent to Mr. V meant far more than the money.
I want him to feel that he’s cared and loved by all those who he’s helped along the years.
- Steve Nava
We all have one or two teachers who've made a difference in our lives. They challenge us, encourage us to think bigger and most of all, to be our best selves at times when we're still discovering who we are.
And they probably have no clue.
You don't need to go to Nava's length to say thank you, small gestures move mountains. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to find Mr. Ford to thank him for making Biology class a blast.
More uplifting news:
- Cop Pulls Distraught Elderly Man Over For Speeding – Has The Best Response When He Hears His Story
- Mother of 2 Albino Girls Reveals How She Defied Scandalous Assumptions To Help Them Succeed In Life
- Woman Cruelly Bullied and Called “Dalmatian” By Classmates Gets The Last Laugh
- Quick-Thinking Teen Follows Instinct To Protect Little Girl – Ends Up Saving Her From Suspicious Man
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.