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Stranger Walks by Homeless Man Living on a Bus Bench - Notices a Crucial Detail Others Missed
Uplifting News

Stranger Walks by Homeless Man Living on a Bus Bench - Notices a Crucial Detail Others Missed

Life is full of ups and downs, and unfortunately, some people experience harder lows than others. Some people go through truly dark times and they need to rely on the kindness and empathy of others to get them through.That was definitely the case for one homeless man in Florida, whom everyone passed by. Everyone, that is, except for a man who took the time to look.An Important DetailIt all started when a Fort Lauderdale, Florida resident named David Beaulieu saw something that stuck out to him during one of his morning walks. He had noticed a homeless man living on a bus bench, but it wasn’t just the fact that Kenny Corbin was homeless that caught his attention. After all, he’d seen the man before.“I’ve noticed Kenny sleeping on the cement bench here, and one day I saw his mobility stick,” Beaulieu told a local news outlet. “He was holding it and actually praying. I said, 'Wow, this is crazy. This guy is blind and he’s homeless.'”Beaulieu couldn’t stop thinking about Corbin and the mysterious circumstances that brought him to that bench, so he struck up a conversation with him. It turned out that Corbin had been counting steps to get to the nearby gas station, where he would eat and use the bathroom. He also used the shower at a nearby beach.“I started talking to him and got his story, and I’m like, 'Wow, how does this guy hold up night by night?'” Beaulieu added.A Hard Turn in LifeThe more Beaulieu learned about Corbin, the more he knew he needed to help. Before he landed on that bench, Corbin had driven a semi for 35 years. He’d also always done mechanic work, but two years ago, on Christmas Eve, he was working on a van when something tragic happened.“Some kind of powder went into my eye, and it melted my corneas,” he revealed. The people he trusted cleaned him out, and he lost not only his vision but his home and most of his possessions, too.“All I have is two bags,” he continued. “A backpack and a bag. That’s it.”Once he hit the streets, Corbin had nowhere to go. A county homeless outreach found him and dropped him off at the Salvation Army, but they didn’t have a bed or a referral, so Corbin said they couldn’t help him. He packed up his stuff and left.“Someone stole two of my blankets, I’m freezing. Someone stole some of my clothes,” he said.“We tend to ignore the homeless,” Beaulieu added. “A lot of drugs and alcoholism, but that is not the case with Kenny. He’s a completely different story.”Finding New IndependenceBeaulieu stopping to chat with Corbin that day was life-changing. He wanted to help and gave the man warm blankets and some money for food. He also started a crowd-sourcing campaign to raise money for Corbin to get mobility training so that he could live on his own. However, it didn’t take off, so Beaulieu reached out to news outlets for help.“[Now] I’m at the Salvation Army in a transitional housing program,” Corbin revealed, saying it’s a “million times” better than the park bench. “It’s nice, it’s warm, it’s dry. I don’t get wet when it rains.”Corbin now has a caseworker and has applied for a few apartments through Catholic Services. He’s waiting for a portal to open to apply for Section 8 housing, in which tenants pay roughly 30 percent of their income for rent. His caseworker is also putting him in for long-term care through Social Security.“Without [the news story] and David I’d still be sitting on the bus bench on 17th Street,” he added.As for how Corbin made him feel that day he stopped to help? “It just shows me someone actually cares.”Extending CompassionCorbin is an example of how someone’s life can change in an instant and how important it is to take the time to get to know a person before judging their circumstances. No one ever really knows what someone else is going through or how they may be struggling, and this story reminds us of how far a little kindness can go.Stop and ask questions. Try not to lead with prejudice, but ask yourself what someone else may be going through before you make decisions. And when it comes to your existing relationships, always try to extend grace. Everyone goes through stuff, but it’s having people we can rely on that helps us to eventually pull through.More from Goalcast:Stranger Hands Something to Homeless Man on Metro – It Ends Up Completely Changing His LifeFreezing Homeless Man Goes to a Closed McDonald’s – Manager Defies All Rules and Does This16-Year-Old Becomes Homeless After Parents Ask Her to Move Out – Years Later, a Shocking Scene Changes Everything

Couple Passes by Homeless Man Who Has Lived on the Streets for 3 Years - Decide to Give Him a Christmas Hell Never Forget
Uplifting News

Couple Passes by Homeless Man Who Has Lived on the Streets for 3 Years - Decide to Give Him a Christmas Hell Never Forget

Floyd Carter spent three long years calling the streets of Washington, D.C. home. After falling on hard times, the veteran spent most of his days in front of the Whole Foods on P St., NW, and his nights wherever he could. “You’ve got nowhere to go. You’re sneaking on people’s porches, going into abandoned cars, or buildings [just] to lie down,” Carter told ABC7 News.Despite having a housing voucher — a government-issued voucher that assists very low-income families and people with disabilities in paying for safe and affordable private housing — Carter was unable to secure a roof over his head. That is until two D.C. lawyers showed up with the ultimate gift. How Two Strangers Stepped in to HelpFloyd was on his "last leg, about to give up," when two "angels in disguise" walked into his life and changed it forever. While most people would go out of their way to ignore him, Erik and Rachel Cox aren't like most people. Instead of walking past him pretending he didn't exist, they struck up a conversation and spent a few minutes getting to know him and his story. “He told us he had a housing voucher and waited for months and months, but was unable to get his foot in the door or respect when he tried to get an apartment,” the Coxes said. “We then looked at ourselves and thought, that’s not right, let’s see what we can do.”The duo got to work.The problem with the housing voucher is that participants are responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of their choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. But unfortunately, when it comes to the homeless, the stigma is real. It's difficult to find landlords willing to take people off the streets. Without a fixed address, you don't have I.D. Without I.D., you can't get a job. It's a vicious circle. To make matters worse, the Coxes discovered that Carter had "become a ghost in a bureaucratic system." The only way he could get a place was to pony up the money for application fees and a security deposit.Money he didn't have. But luckily for him, the Coxes did. Exchanging Christmas Gifts for Christmas JoyRather than spend money on Christmas gifts for each other, the couple decided to play Santa Claus. They used $1300 towards an apartment for Carter.Just weeks after first meeting him, Erik and Rachel were helping their new friend move into his very own apartment. It was a day Carter never thought would come. "They seen something in me that nobody else seen."Floyd CarterNot only did they gift him a home, but they gave him something even more invaluable — hope. “I learned that there are some caring people in this world,” Carter said. “They made this the best Christmas I probably could ever have.”And to make it even greater, thanks to having an address and I.D., he was well on his way to getting a job. All thanks to the kindness of strangers.Spirit of GivingDuring a season often marked by material exchange, the Coxes exemplified the true spirit of giving — exchanging Christmas gifts for the joy of literally changing someone's life. Because of their generosity towards a complete stranger, they were able to take one man off the streets and put him on the road to a successful future.While not all of us can afford $1300, we can afford to rethink our own reactions when we see people struggling. A kind word, a smile, and an acknowledgment of our fellow human beings can go a long way. And just imagine the impact we could have if we were willing to give up even one of our Christmas gifts, in exchange for making someone else's life just a little bit brighter. More from Goalcast:11-Year-Old Returns All of His Christmas Presents – Surprises Everyone With What He Does With the $95A Stranger’s Christmas Card Saved This Soldier’s Life – 48 Years Later, He Finally Meets His AngelHomeless Student Nurse Couch Surfs to Survive–but Christmas Came Early When She Wins $6M Home in Lottery

Homeless Student Nurse Couch Surfs to Survivebut Christmas Came Early When She Wins $6M Home in Lottery
Uplifting News

Homeless Student Nurse Couch Surfs to Survivebut Christmas Came Early When She Wins $6M Home in Lottery

It's no secret the world isn't as cheap as it used to be. Long gone are the days of buying a home in a major city for $80,000. Even the price of groceries has skyrocketed! For so many of us, just eating our vegetables is nearly unaffordable—let alone saving up to be a homeowner!This was the sad reality for one mature nursing student.She Was Living With RoommatesAt 49 years old Oceanne Belle, was doing her best to keep it all together. The mature student bravely put herself through nursing school but after her landlord increased her rent—she had nowhere to live."'I'm studying to become a pediatric nurse one day," Belle shared. "So it's very difficult to pay for rent in London while also being at university full-time."Belle isn't the only one who struggles to make ends meet in the major city. Over the last decade the cost of living in London has become increasingly high—with no end to the problem in sight.At the time of eviction Belle was living with several roommates but with the rent increase she was forced out of her home and into the cold. Without warning, Belle had to rely on the kindness of friends. With no other options, she began "couch surfing" without any idea of what her next move would be.Thankfully, fate stepped in.The Chances Were 1 in a Million—She Tried Her Luck AnywayYou know what they say, life is a gamble—but this is one time, the odds were in her favour!Despite the bleak reality of her financial situation Oceanne Belle still found it in her heart to give generously with the little she had. When she saw an online fundraising event for a local charity, she wanted to do her part. Even though she gave a mere $10—her donation to OMAZE changed everything.OMAZE is fundraising company best known for raising money for charity by raffling celebrity experiences. The platform is entirely online and every donation is one entry for the grand prize. How it works is simple: the money raised by the end of the raffle is awarded to the charity being fundraised for. Since their humble beginnings, OMAZE has radically changed the charity game one prize at a time— but their most life changing raffle? The OMAZE Million Pound House Draw. At least it was for this one nursing student. When Belle saw OMAZE was raffling off the keys to £5 million townhouse in Chelsea, she knew was no way she'd win. So why'd she donate her hard-earned cash? Belle was moved by the cause OMAZE was fundraising for. The money would be awarded to the NHS (aka the publicly funded health care system in England)! As an aspiring nurse putting herself through school, Belle could think of no better cause to donate to. So Belle gave what she could. She donated $10 and effectively entered the OMAZE lottery— she didn't think anything of it. In fact, she completely forgot about it.So much so that when the OMAZE team called to inform Belle she had won the grand prize, she blocked their call...twice!“It was a Friday night and I’d been writing a dissertation all day and feeling a bit down in the dumps, as it’s so stressful. I got a few calls from a number I didn’t know so I blocked it, twice!”"The Best Christmas Present Ever"—A Life Changing WinEven though she may not have picked up their calls, fate was already in motion. Eventually the Omaze team came knocking on her door and delivered the life changing news in person!“I was greeted by the Omaze team singing funny Christmas carols." Oceanne Belle said, "Then the next thing I knew I’d won a house and my life had changed forever.”It was official. Bell was the lucky winner of the stunning 4-story flat and £100,000 in cash.But that's not all! There's a catch.The catch is there is no catch. This was one sweet deal that came with no strings attached. The townhouse comes mortgage-free, with all tax and legal fees covered. Belle is also free to either live in the luxurious property, rent it out, or sell it to become a multi-millionaire!“It is so crazy that last week I was technically ‘sofa surfing’ at a friend’s flat - and now I’ve won a £5 million townhouse in Chelsea - it's just unbelievable.Oceanne BelleEven though local real estate agents estimate the property could achieve a long-term rental value of around £140,000 a year—for now, Belle just wants to savour the little things, like being able to cook in her very own kitchen or just kick her feet up and relax."It's an amazing feeling" Belle said, "This has to be the best Christmas present ever."Winning the Lottery "Won't Change Me As A Person"Sure, this is one surprise from Santa that may be a dream come true but this is one dream that won't stop Belle from staying true to herself.“I’m not sure what I’m going to do long-term yet - but we’re definitely going to spend some time here and enjoy it. Winning this house is a dream come true, but it won’t change me as a person.It may seem crazy to say, but winning the lottery can have it's downsides! In fact, it isn't always the long term financial solution so many players think it is. Statistically speaking 70% of lottery winners shockingly go bankrupt within a few years of winning! You'd wonder with all that money how people manage to go broke. The reality is, money changes people. It's easy to spend it all in one place—which is exactly what Belle plans on not doing.For now, she plans to enjoy her beautiful home and host her family and loved ones in ways she never dreamed she could. "I can now invite all my family over from the Seychelles to come and stay. I absolutely love cooking and can’t wait to use the kitchen" Belle said, when talking how she plans to break in her new digs.We Get What We Give—Sometimes More Than We Ever Imagined!In the end, Oceanne Belle's story teaches us something simple yet powerful: what goes around really does come around, and sometimes, it brings back more than we could ever imagine. From tough times and couch-surfing to winning a £5 million townhouse, her journey shows the unexpected joy that kindness can bring. In a world that can feel overwhelming and just down right expesnsive—Oceanne's story is a reminder that small acts of generosity an lead to big, beautiful surprisesSo, this holiday season let's keep sharing what we have, believing in the good, and who knows, the universe might just surprise us in the most delightful ways.MORE FROM GOALCASTBoy Defends Blind Classmate From Bullies – Instead of Applauding Him, He Is Nearly SuspendedPregnant Woman With 2 Jobs Makes Only $300 Each Week – Then a Stranger Gives Her Some News That Makes Her SobMillionaire Reads About Homeless Couple in the News – Shocks Neighbors by Inviting Them to Live In His $4M Mansion

62-Year-Old Homeless Man Is Forced to Sleep in a Cardboard Box - But One Discovery Changes His Life
Uplifting News

62-Year-Old Homeless Man Is Forced to Sleep in a Cardboard Box - But One Discovery Changes His Life

John Helinski, 62, had spent years living on the streets. In particular, a cardboard box at a Tampa Bay bus stop. "I just managed on my own. Sleeping underneath the benches there and no one would see me (sic)," Helinski said.That's where homeless liaison officer Daniel McDonald found him and brought him to the Drug Abuse and Comprehensive Coordinating Office Inc. (DACCO), a 24-hour centre for helping disadvantaged people find housing (check out these motivational quotes to help you rise above any dilemma you may face).Officers Track Down the Homeless Man’s Lost Identification PapersMcDonald didn't just stop there. He helped Helinski track down his lost identification papers. “As a homeless liaison officer, the bread and butter of my work often involves hopping department to department trying to help homeless people find the ID they need in order to get things like work and housing,” McDonald told ABC. “We’re uniformed cops with police cars, but we want homeless people to trust us,” he added. “Our job is not to arrest someone. It’s to help them. Homeless people are still accountable to the law, but they’re now starting to see we can be trusted, and this new model and field of policing is gaining popularity very quickly, I think.”A Forgotten Bank Account With Plenty of Money Is DiscoveredAt DACCO, case manager Charles Inman worked with McDonald to track down Helinski's papers. Helinski mentioned that he was born in Poland, but was a U.S. citizen and recalled having social security payments which was canceled.So Inman and McDonald worked together to go to the local tax collector's office and got him a temporary State of Florida ID card. Then, they successfully got Helinski's birth record from the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs.With those two documents, they went to the Social Security office to ask why Helinski wasn't receiving payments. It turned out he had, though he had lost his debit card and had no access to the bank account the money was being deposited into.How Two Officers Made It Their Mission to Save a Man From HomelessnessWhen Helinski finally got into his account, he had plenty of money in there -- enough to put a down payment on a modest home.Inman and McDonald said they were very happy Helinski would be off the streets.This situation looked really difficult, and I wasn’t sure how it was going to end up. If it failed, it meant we’d put a 62-year-old man on the street, and Officer McDonald and I were not OK with that.Charles Inman to ABC NewsWhat's the difference between someone living on the street and someone in a home? Often, especially in America, it's bad luck -- and that's what happened here. What this story proves is that, sometimes all that's needed to turn a life around is a helping hand.More from Goalcast:White Castle Employee Feeds a Homeless 16-Year-Old Down on Her Luck – Years Later, She Decides to Get Married ThereSingle Mom of 6 Has Struggled With Homelessness – So High School Students Plot Together and Come Up With a PlanCouple Notices Homeless Man in Wheelchair Struggling to Get Up a Hill – They Didn’t Know Their Next Move Would Change His Life

White Castle Employee Feeds a Homeless 16-Year-Old Down on Her Luck - Years Later, She Decides to Get Married There
Uplifting News

White Castle Employee Feeds a Homeless 16-Year-Old Down on Her Luck - Years Later, She Decides to Get Married There

In the heart of a White Castle, where the scent of sliders meets the whispers of vows, a couple recently tied the knot, weaving together a tale of love, resilience, and the unexpected kindness of a fast-food haven.Jamie West, the bride, reflects on a poignant chapter of her life that unfolded in the 1990s. A homeless teen, West had navigated through the shadows of 94 foster homes. At 16, she found herself alone, battling the harsh realities of life, abuse, and addiction.How a White Castle Restaurant Welcomed a Homeless TeenPhoto by Polina TankilevitchIn a serendipitous encounter, she stumbled upon a White Castle, seeking water to quench her thirst. Little did she know, this visit would change the course of her life. A compassionate employee not only offered solace but filled her arms with sacks of slider hamburgers — simple acts of kindness that resonated deeply.West recalled the moment: “I walked into the White Castle, the first one I had ever seen, and this woman goes, ‘Oh, sugar, you poor thing. You go on in that bathroom and get yourself cleaned up,’ and so I did. I cried in the bathroom because I was being treated like a human.”"Every time after that, when I saw a White Castle, I knew it was somewhere that I would be safe to run to, and if I was starving, I would be able to get fed.”This extraordinary gesture wasn’t just a meal; it became a beacon of hope. In a world that often treated the homeless with indifference, White Castle stood as a sanctuary, a place where humanity triumphed over adversity.Years later, after overcoming her struggles, West found love in Drew Schmitt. The couple, embodying a tale of resilience, heard that a White Castle would open near their home in Arizona. Their excitement manifested in crowns, axes, and swords as they camped outside on the opening day, becoming the first to step into the newly opened establishment.Their unique connection with White Castle didn’t end there. Sharing her remarkable story, West and Schmitt were inducted into the restaurant's hall of fame. This recognition, an ode to their enduring love, marked the beginning of a new chapter.How a White Castle Employee Changed a Life With KindnessIn a medieval-themed ceremony, where love echoed against the backdrop of sliders, West and Schmitt exchanged vows. The flower girls, tossing dehydrated onions instead of petals, added a whimsical touch. The guests savored White Castle sliders, and instead of traditional rings, the couple sealed their union with Celtic ring finger tattoos.Reflecting on the unconventional wedding, West expressed gratitude: “We’re so thankful that we found each other and have become each other’s partners and best friends.”“We are happy beyond words for the joy that Jamie and Drew share, and honored that we were able to play a part in the greatest royal wedding ever!” White Castle vice president Jamie Richardson told TODAY.com. “Jamie’s story serves as a reminder of the power of kindness and being there for one another as we keep focus on our purpose of feeding the souls of Craver generations everywhere.”As the couple celebrated their 15th year together, West's wedding dress, a quinceanera gown, symbolized not only their union but the journey they had traveled. The wedding cake, shaped like a slider, paid homage to that transformative moment in West's life.In a heartfelt message to the White Castle employee who unknowingly altered her destiny, West said, “Thank you for being the reason I exist right now, not knowing what you were doing and just feeding somebody because you’re a good human.”Their wedding at White Castle isn’t just a celebration of love; it’s a testament to the profound impact of small acts of kindness and the resilience of the human spirit. In this unexpected venue, a homeless teen found not just a meal but a lifeline, and in the arms of love, she discovered a castle of dreams.More from Goalcast:Bride Wears Her Wedding Dress – And Sobs When She Finds Out What Her Mom Had Planned Behind Her BackHigh School Sweethearts Celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary – Little Did They Know, They Would Be In “Tears” After Their DateBride Makes Her New 4-Year-Old Stepson Sob by Reading the Wedding Vows She Had Specially Written for Him

Judge Learns Single Mom Was Kicked Out of Her House at 13 Years Old - Then, He Reads a Letter in Front of the Court That Stuns Her
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Judge Learns Single Mom Was Kicked Out of Her House at 13 Years Old - Then, He Reads a Letter in Front of the Court That Stuns Her

As the letter is read aloud in the courtroom, she is without words; with tears streaming down her face, it's a day she'll never forget.A Struggling Single MomPhoto by Victória KubiakiHe's both seen and heard it all, from the mundane to the macabre. But even this crime spree shocked Judge Caprio. In fact, it's so prolific, he has to take a deep breath before starting. Standing before him is Yesenia Fernandez, a frizzy-haired, bubbly woman sporting a lip ring. As the judge and her make eye contact, she already knows what's coming. "Oh my god," she says under her breath. "We're going to go back ten years ago," Caprio begins as he rattles off the locations. "Vinton street, East transit, Plaine, Garnett and Amherst street.""You covered the entire city," he says sternly, waving his hand. "I've been all over the place, all over the place," answers Fernandez with a guilty smile. "So what do you want to tell me?" Caprio asks her. Caprio will need oxygen for this one. A Single Mother’s Tough TaleJudge Caprio had listed the five times that Fernandez had received parking tickets, with her not showing up to court on each occasion. When asked for a simple reason why, her answer is anything but. She reveals that her mother kicked her out of the house when she was just 13 years old, and she's been on her own -- and 'all over the place' -- ever since. She had two boys aged 12 and 19 because of an abusive relationship and cares for them on her own.To support them, she works two jobs, one helping kids with disabilities and another at Dunkin' Doughnuts. Yet it's what she shares next that truly tugs at Caprio's heart. Fernandez says that she and her sons had been living in a shelter, and she'd just recently found an apartment for them to call home. "I'm trying to get my life together," she says "I've always tried to work hard and do the right thing."Fernandez adds that her unpaid bills aren't from a lack of motivation, but money. "There's just been a hard life and I want to pay the tickets but it's just been hard. I always need money for something else."At that point, Caprio's face softens as he responds. "So you've got a good brain. And in spite of the problems you may have had in the past, you know, you've got a good attitude," he says to a shocked Fernandez."I appreciate that very much," responds the mother. But not so fast, as this case is just beginning to unravel.A Surprise LetterPhoto by Scott Graham"Before you start appreciating anything, wait till I finish, because you've got some other stuff here, okay?" deadpans Caprio. He then goes on to list a series of overnight parking tickets that Fernandez has also racked up over the years. She responds that they were accrued when she was homeless and living in a shelter. At times, it was between a ticket and parking where her car would be towed. Like many parts of her life, again between a rock and a hard place. That compels Judge Caprio to go to another place for a solution, as he pulls out a letter. He says that it's from an elderly man named Danny Eltman from Chicago Illonois. Caprio tells his story and motivation to the court. "Life has been pretty good for him but he wants to help other people so he actually sent me a check for a hundred dollars to help anyone that needed help using my discretion for whom I would use this this for."And with that, he puts the money towards the mother's parking bill, bringing it down to $150. That's when tears run down her cheeks, as the courtroom breaks out in applause. "May I ask you a question?" Fernandez then asks Caprio. How Judge Caprio Reminds Us That Kindness Rules AllFernandez asks the Judge when she is expected to pay the money, as things are still tight. That's when he gives a memorable answer."I look at the world through the eyes of the people that I'm talking to. And right now I'm looking at the world through your eyes. I know the hardship you've had. I understand it. I came from a poor family, but I had a family," he says."Just don't ever give up. I don't. I haven't. I won't. Don't give up. We're rooting for you. Come back and see us. Let us know how you make out."And with it, he delivered one of the most eloquent endings to give hope to a hard knock life. It's easy to look at everyone's unpaid tickets and point a finger. It takes patience and courage to ask why and do what's right. More from Goalcast:Struggling Mom Has Parking Tickets Worth $460 – Judge Asks Her to Pay Only $200, Then Changes His MindJudge Brings Up a Serious Charge in Front of Smirking Defendant – But When He Hears His Life Story, He Dismisses the Entire FineJudge Calls Single Mom “Irresponsible” for Her 14 Parking Tickets – Then She Made a Plea That Changed His Mind

Homeless Boy Who Has Nothing Begs on the Streets to Survive - Then, He Changes Two Lives With One Swift Move
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Homeless Boy Who Has Nothing Begs on the Streets to Survive - Then, He Changes Two Lives With One Swift Move

One moment, one single action, has the potential to change a life.Every day, while children around the world ate breakfast and went to school, little John Thuo of Nairobi, Kenya roamed the streets, begging for survival. Orphaned and homeless, he did what he had to do just to get by. Meanwhile, 32-year-old Gladys Kamande was in a different fight for survival. Suffering from collapsed lungs, Gladys relied on machines to breathe, carrying an oxygen concentrator, a generator, and oxygen cylinders with her at all times. As if that wasn’t enough, she had undergone 12 surgeries for her medical issues, one of which damaged her optical nerve rendering her blind in one eye.How a Chance Encounter Changed the Direction of Both Their LivesOne day, while approaching cars and begging for money, John happened upon Gladys. Intrigued by all of her medical equipment he asked her what it was for. Her story moved him to tears. Sobbing, he did the only thing he could think of to do. In an unbelievable act of compassion, he reached into his pocket and gave her what little money he had. Despite having nothing himself, this little boy gave her everything. Because as it turns out, just when you think you're at rock bottom, someone else is worse off than you. John's act of kindness didn't go unnoticed. A passerby, Njogu Wa Njoroge, witnessed the heartwrenching exchange and captured the moment on film. A Photograph Goes Viral They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This one was worth approximately $80,000.Njogu tracked down John and Gladys and shared their story alongside the photo on Facebook."I asked him why he decided to give the only money he had in his pocket," Njogu wrote. "He told me he opted to give because even if he suffered the same, others would support him."Inspired by the boy's selflessness, Njogu set up a fundraiser for Gladys.The post went viral, taking social media by storm. Donations to pay for the woman's medical bills flooded in, to the tune of $80,000. Thanks to one boy's generosity and the ripple effect it produced, Gladys was able to receive the treatment she needed to get back to living a normal, healthy life.From Homeless to HomeboundBut what happened to John? At the request of Gladys, he was placed into a children's home and left his life on the streets behind him. But his story doesn't end there. In an ending worthy of a Hollywood movie, John found his own happily ever after. He was adopted.Despite his circumstances, John still managed to find a way to give something to someone who needed it. What makes this even more remarkable, however, is that John is only a little boy.And yet, he did what most adults would not. With one action driven by compassion, John changed not only Gladys' life but his own as well. And showed the world the power that empathy, kindness, and compassion can wield. More from Goalcast:After Sleeping on Garage Floor, Homeless Boy Sobs When He Learns His Family Finally Has a HouseHomeless Boy Who Had Nothing Is Finally Adopted by Couple – Breaks Down When He Gets a Birthday Cake for This ReasonPolice Officer Passes by Struggling Homeless Woman on the Street – The Message on Her Shirt Makes Him Pull Over

Stranger Secretly Follows Homeless Man After Giving Him $100 - Is Shocked to See What He Actually Does With the Money
Uplifting News

Stranger Secretly Follows Homeless Man After Giving Him $100 - Is Shocked to See What He Actually Does With the Money

"Oh goodness! Are you sure? I'm starting to tear up here.""I've never had this in my life."It started with a random act of kindness. It's a gift that sets off a bittersweet success story reminding us all to never judge a book by its cover.A Man Gives a Homeless a Stunning GiftPhoto by Timur WeberThe man was standing at an intersection in Euclid, Ohio, holding a cardboard sign. Maybe, just maybe someone will stop to help.Out of nowhere, a stranger jogs over to him and introduces himself as Josh. "Just trying to make enough to get me something to eat," the man whose name is Thomas replies.Then Josh hands Thomas $100, which brings him to the brink of tears. After Thomas hugs him, Josh responds, "Nice meeting you. I hope you can, you know, have good use of that money.""It will be sir," responds Thomas. With that, he packs up his big tote bag and leaves the intersection, walking like someone on a mission.But to where?A Homeless Man’s MissionPhoto by Rowen SmithCameras follow Thomas as he treks several miles through side streets and intersections, his pace hurried. Finally, he stops at a local liquor store.Of course he is.Sure enough, he walks out with a full black garbage bag, probably with booze for a night to celebrate hitting the lotto.Packing his tote bag, Thomas continues his frenzied pace through the neighborhood. But where is he going?!Finally, he makes his way to a park, walking towards a couple of people he seems to know. He reaches into a bag and gives one of them a plastic bag with something in it, but not clear exactly what. With no time to waste, Thomas quickly gathers his things and continues his frantic foot journey. He then arrives at another park, this time with more people, including a little girl in a hooded sweatshirt. Once again, he stops, rests his bag on the bench and reaches into his bag. That's when it's very clear what Thomas' real motivation is.A Homeless Man’s Touching StoryReaching into the bag, Thomas pulls out food. Thomas used the windfall to feed his friends.Suddenly, Josh comes out of nowhere to confront him. He's actually famous social media influencer Josh Paler. Mostly known for his petty pranks, Paler instead uses his camera to see how a homeless person would spend $100 when given to them.And so, after giving a teary Thomas the money, he followed him on his journey around town. When he confronts him, Josh has a confession."I feel like I owe you apologies 'cause I... I... you went to a liquor store, right? Earlier?" he says."Oh, you thought I was gonna get all smacked up drunk, huh?" Thomas replied.Think twice.Josh is then shocked to find out that Thomas doesn't know any of the people he gave food to."But there's things money can't buy. My own... I get a happiness out of what I'm doing," said Thomas."You just touched my heart, you know? This is another...$100 bucks," said Josh.A panicked Thomas starts saying "No, no, no," but it's too late.That's a rich reward but this story goes much deeper than dollars.How One Homeless Man Teaches Us That Riches Are Skin DeepJosh then asks Thomas about how he ended up homeless. His story is heartbreaking as his heart is big.He says that he was living with his parents when his stepfather got cancer and was getting hospice. However when insurance didn't cover it, Thomas quit his job to care for him.Then tragically, two weeks later his mother passed away from kidney failure. When her building was sold, Thomas found himself on the streets, where he'd been for a few months.Yet there he was with a brave face, finding the motivation to help others with the little he had. He had a moving message for Josh and the viewers."And there is a lot of people there that are just victims of circumstances... It could be a divorce and one thing leads to another the man sells his boat, his home..."In the end, he says, what sets our sail is in the heart. "You somehow you would be on a seam, and you meet... bumping the good people that's all there is to it. You're on a different path."Remember that when it comes to kindness, you don't have to be a big spender to get an even bigger payoff. More from Goalcast:Man Has Been Homeless for Years – So He Builds His Own House by Watching YouTube VideosHomeless Man Readily Gives His Last 27 Cents to a Stranger When He Asks for Help – Little Did He Know What Was Coming Next8-Year-Old Passes by Homeless Woman Sleeping on the Street Every Day – This Encounter Inspires Her

Driver Notices Quiet Stranger on the Bus - Later, He Approaches Her and Utters 5 Words That Changes Both Their Lives
Uplifting News

Driver Notices Quiet Stranger on the Bus - Later, He Approaches Her and Utters 5 Words That Changes Both Their Lives

It was a bitter cold Wisconsin night that was about to get way chillier for bus driver Natalie Barnes. She spotted a man she'd seen before, but something seemed off with him that night. He boarded the bus and sat quietly by himself. Then, during her break, he approached Barnes while she was alone. That's when he uttered five words that would change their lives forever. How a Bus Driver Changed a Homeless Man’s LifePhoto by Lê MinhAs per PEOPLE, the familiar man's name was Richard and he had awful news to share. "I'm officially homeless now," he said. He said that his home had been condemned and he'd been living on the streets for a week. Hearing that, Barnes offered to buy him a hot meal and warm up on the bus for the rest of her shift. This act alone is enough to fill our cup, but what Barnes did next will overflow it. Not wanting to stop there, Barnes called and not just any friend, but one who got in touch with 'Community Advocates,' who were able to find Richard some shelter. They are working to find him a long-term home. For Barnes, Richard's old age and the cold made her motivation as much about conscience as kindness. “It was important that he found somewhere warm to stay for the night, at minimum,” she said.Little did she know, but things were about to really warm up for her as well.How a Community Honored a Caring Bus DriverPhoto by Caleb ChenTo shine a light on her bus-sized heart, Barnes was honored with the MTS Excellence Award by the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS). Created to highlight acts of kindness, MCTS County Executive Chris Abele said the award fit Barnes to a tee. “Natalie demonstrated what we all need to do to fight homelessness: to look out for each other, to care for each other and to work together. I’m deeply grateful for Natalie’s actions,” he said during the ceremony.Barnes said that Richard and she have become friends with a phone route that runs off-hours. "He thanks me every time he talks to me for helping him,” she said adding, "He calls me his little guardian angel. I’m happy to say that he’s progressing well.”How One Bus Driver Proves That Kindness Warms Up LivesRichard had extra real reason to be thankful for Barnes that night. Per WPR, Wisconsin's recent arctic cold waves have caused a spike in cold-related deaths. The most at-risk group? You guessed it, the old and homeless. Thankfully for him, this arctic blast had an angelic overcast. When asked about that night, Barnes said that her motivation is pretty simple, whether in rain, sleet or snow.“At some point in our lives, everybody needs help,” she said. “I wanted to do what I could to help Richard in some way.”Among kindness quotes, one by Aesop reads, "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." Sometimes, they give someone the pick-me-up they need to get through the day. Other times, they give someone the wheels to weather a storm.More from Goalcast:Flight Attendant Notices a Passenger Having a Panic Attack – Her Next Move Is Captured by a Fellow PassengerBus Driver Has to Take an Alternate Route Because of Construction – What He Does for A Blind Passenger Is Recorded by a WitnessUber Driver Donates a Kidney to His Passenger – Here’s Why He Insists It’s Not a Coincidence

Homeless Man Readily Gives His Last 27 Cents to a Stranger When He Asks for Help - Little Did He Know What Was Coming Next
Uplifting News

Homeless Man Readily Gives His Last 27 Cents to a Stranger When He Asks for Help - Little Did He Know What Was Coming Next

69-year-old Roy Jurina knows what it's like to struggle. He is just one of the 38,000 veterans experiencing homelessness in the United States.And yet, despite the fact that he can barely rub two pennies together, he was willing to give everything he had to help a fellow human in need. And now? Thanks to one man and the power of social media, his tiny handful of change has just multiplied three thousand-fold.One Homeless Veteran’s Simple Act of Kindness Proves That’s All It Takes to Change a LifeIn a TikTok video that has gone viral, Roy is approached by a stranger asking him for a dollar so he can buy a donut or some bread. Roy knows he doesn't have a dollar to spare but it doesn't stop him from digging into his pocket and handing over the little he does have — 27 cents."Sometimes I wind up giving every dime and then I find more money," Roy tells the stranger.Turns out that stranger is actually social media star, Jimmy Kellogg, known as Jimmy Darts to his 14 million followers. And Roy? He is about to find a whole lot of money. On any given day, Darts, a 26-year-old Minnesota native, films himself asking a stranger for a small favor. Sometimes it's to ask for money to buy a meal or sometimes it borders on the ridiculous, like asking someone to wash his toy car or hold his fake toucan and feed it Froot Loops in Walmart.While most people refuse his request, every once in a while he meets a good samaritan willing to lend a helping hand. When he does, he rewards the unsuspecting person for their good deed with $500 cash. Or more.On this particular day, that good samaritan is Roy.Darts is so moved by Roy's selflessness that he immediately hands over $500 in cash. At first, Roy is skeptical, asking if Darts is going to report him for stealing the money. Eventually, he accepts the money, saying he'll use some of it to stay in a hotel and take a bath — but not before he makes certain that Darts is taken care of as well. "You have a place to stay too?" he asks Darts. (This man is seriously a national treasure.)Stranger Raises $68,000 for Homeless VeteranNot only does Darts give Roy $500, but he decides to go one step further. Unbeknownst to Roy, he starts a GoFundMe campaign called "Help Roy A Homeless Veteran Off The Streets!" He sets the goal to $20,000."Let’s change his life forever and raise enough funds for Roy to get a vehicle and a place to stay! No veteran should have to be homeless on the streets!" Darts writes on the page.The masses agree.Less than 12 hours later, the goal is smashed. And today, the fund is sitting at $68,000 and still climbing.One Good Turn Deserves AnotherIn a follow-up TikTok, Darts meets up with Roy 12 hours after they first met. Before sharing the life-changing news, Roy heartbreakingly tells the TikToker, "If I was to swim out there and drown, nobody would even care. I thought, well, you know, eventually my son would find out. He'd care a bit. But that's about it.""That's the biggest lie on the planet," Darts tells him before revealing that his followers are gifting him over $35,000. Shocked and fighting back tears, Roy can't believe it. "Wow...I'm glad I didn't drown, I would have missed out on a blessing I wouldn't have even realized." Roy JurinaAnd that's the thing about life, isn't it? We never know what it has in store for us. But if we just keep going...if we help each other and don't lose touch with our humanity, despite whatever it is that life throws our way...we have the power to truly make a difference, in others' lives as well as our own — one simple act of kindness at a time.More from Goalcast:8-Year-Old Passes by Homeless Woman Sleeping on the Street Every Day – This Encounter Inspires HerHomeless Couple Couldn’t Afford to Get Married for 24 Years – Then a Stranger Throws Them a Surprise Wedding