Britt Jones
A homeless man’s life was changed in the best way possible after he handed in a $10,000 cheque he found by chance.
Homelessness is an epidemic in most parts of the world, with varying reasons as to how it happened.
The cost-of-living, unemployment, economic downturn, lack of support network, crime, mental illness, addiction and much more can all drive a person to lose their home in the blink of an eye.
There are at least 35,400 homeless people in the UK, according to Shelter England.
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It’s a horrible thing that occurs, and often, we don’t hear very good stories about homeless people receiving help.
But Elmer Alvarez’s story is something that has brought the internet together in celebration.
He found himself with luck on his side the day he found a cheque for $10,000 (£7404.66) last year in New Haven, US.
Instead of pocketing it or trying to cash it in at a local bank, he said the first thing that came to his mind was that he’s ‘got to look for this person’, and it never occurred to him to attempt to steal it for himself.
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Despite the fact that he had no home and the money would do a lot to enhance his situation.
"It never crossed my mind because I made a decision to turn my life over. I've been clean for three years," Elmer said to CBS News.
The money in question turned out to belong to Roberta Hoskie, who is a real estate agent from Connecticut.
When they met, something unexpected occurred which changed Elmer’s life.
"I expected to find a guy all nice, clean shaven and blue suit like you," she said to the reporter.
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But when Roberta saw Elmer in front of her, homeless, and offered him a reward for returning the cheque, he began to cry, and she said this one thing ‘shattered the stereotypes’.
But that’s not where Roberta stopped.
Instead of letting Elmer go on his way so she could cash her cheque, she decided to help him find an apartment and even paid for seven months of his rent to help him get back on his feet.
She even went a step further and paid for him to go through real estate school. Now the pair are working on a non-profit real estate project to build a transitional house for homeless teenagers and young adults, incorporating the things that Elmer says are crucial to helping homeless people.
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Elmer will then take over as an advisor for the house.
"I know what it is to be homeless. Nobody deserves to live like that," he said.
"Because I remember. I remember what it felt like to be in that shelter," Roberta added.
Little did Elmer know, but before she built her multi-million-dollar company, Roberta was also homeless as a teenage mum.
She managed to work her way through it and built herself a life that others envy.
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But instead of forgetting her challenging times, she’s using them to make life better for others.
Many people online were touched by the story, and the people of Reddit came together to talk about their own experiences with homeless people, how support really matters in these situations, and more.
One person wrote of a person they once knew: “I once worked with a guy that was homeless and lived in his work place when everyone left. Got caught, fired, then became even more homeless. Someone gave him a chance and he became a district manager and now thriving. He’s also one of the kindest and most hardworking person I’ve ever met. Many folks out there just down on their luck and waiting for that chance to make a comeback.”
Another said: “I think you'd be surprised how many homeless people could achieve some success with opportunity & support.”
Someone else wrote: “Proof that doing the right thing doesn’t require wealth just character.”
Lastly, a person summarised how the story made them feel: “Check: Returned.
“Elmer Alvarez: Rewarded.
“Faith in humanity: Restored.”