There are always stories that will inspire faith in humanity, if you look hard enough. Like this story of a group of strangers who came together to help a 77-year-old homeless couple!
A Struggling Homeless Couple
It all started when a woman named Seyli Molina visited her local Burger King in Kenner, New Orleans. While most visited the restaurant to order a burger, Molina went looking for something else. She had heard that an older couple had been living on the street near the Burger King. When she arrived, Molina’s worst fears were confirmed. “I just saw the gentleman. He’s literally on a walker,” Molina said. When the good Samaritan found the couple, she started recording a video with her phone, hoping to contact the couple’s closest relatives or at least spread their story to help find help.
The couple, Charmayne Carollo and her husband, explained that they had nowhere to stay and not even enough money to buy warm clothes. “We looked and looked for apartments, and we couldn’t afford it. We just were homeless, on the street for six months. Sleeping on cement, hungry. It was hard,” said Charmayne.
As you can imagine, the Carollos condition broke Molina’s heart. Thankfully, after posting the video online, she managed to start a movement to save the homeless couple…
More Challenges To Come
Immediately, a “group of angels,” as Charmayne calls them, came together over the video on social media. Many locals wanted to know precisely how they could help. “They immediately said, ‘What do you need? Do you need a hotel room?'” Molina said. Within just a few days, Molina managed to arrange for temporary housing for the couple. Meanwhile, citizens from around Kenner donated clothes, food, shoes, money, and anything else the couple needed.
However, there’s still so much work to do. Most of all, they need to find permanent housing as soon as possible. “To find affordable housing on an income that’s limited, that’s on disability, that’s wheelchair-accessible or handicap-accessible,” Molina explained why. While its a challenge, the help they’ve received so far renewed couple’s faith, Charmayne said. “These people have all made me very, very happy,” she said.
How Can You Help?
Sadly, homelessness remains a massive issue in the United States. This year alone, 564,000 men, women, and children will sleep on the streets for some time. As economic inequality worsens, alcohol and drugs are no longer the only factors. Still, you can help the homeless in your area, with just a bit of time.
First of all, and most importantly, treat them as people – because they are! A simple smile and wave can go a long way. If you do want to give something, sealed bags of goods help tremendously. Of course, volunteering at your local homeless shelter or food pantry is also a great way to combat the problems in your area. Finally, if you can only donate to a nearby soup kitchen or organization that helps get people off the street, that’s all it takes to make a difference in a person’s life.
Sources: MSN, The New York Times