Xmas Miracle For Michael and Mom

So, every week on Friday the company I work for brings in breakfast. This Friday was Breakfast Taco Friday. Everyone at work loves breakfast taco Friday! This Friday being so close to the holidays, the office attendance was pretty low. We had a lot of leftover Tacos from Taco Deli here in Austin, TX. I grabbed the tacos and went out looking for people in need but it was dark and rainy so they were under cover. This morning I heated all the tacos up and went on my mission to bring warm breakfast to the homeless. Michael was the first person I found. He was standing on the side of an underpass in North Austin with a sign that read, “looking for work/hungry anything helps”. I gave him the tacos and watched as he immediately dug in. He had a big smile on his face and gave me a thumbs up of approval “The Jess Special from Taco Deli has that effect on me as well”, I thought to myself. It felt good bringing that joy to him. I continued on and found a couple more folks who were pleased with the warm food. As my search went on I passed many camps, but everyone was still sleeping, so I decided to circle back and find the first person who gave me the thumbs up. As I approached him in my truck I asked if he enjoyed the tacos. He told me he only ate one and was saving the other for his Mother. With much delight, I gave him the remaining tacos and wished him a merry Christmas and headed off. It was then I decided to turn around and ask him what they really needed. That’s when I officially met Michael. As he told me about how he ended up there with his mother I couldn’t help but think how fortunate I am. Michael and I are the same age, both grew up in Austin attending rival high schools, lost our fathers, and have mothers battling disabilities, yet I live in a house, and he lives in a tent under a highway taking care of his mother. I told him I wanted to help and asked what he needed. He explained to me that blankets and clothes would be great because doing laundry is really difficult.  He also said that he really wanted to get a hotel/motel room on Xmas night for he and his mom, and eventually a vehicle so he could get to work once he finds it. I asked him if I could record a video of him that I could share with my network in hopes that my people will pull together and help his family. After the recording, he thanked me and I shook his hand. As I drove off I was hit with an incredible amount off emotion and began to sob in my truck. I decided that more can be done for Michael and his mother than simply blankets and clothes. People raise money thru this platform for all kinds of things like vet bills, trips to see family in foreign countries, start-up companies, art supplies, honeymoons etc. I want to not only give these two the gift of a roof over their heads for a night or two, but enough money to maybe buy that car that will get Michael and his mother Nancy back on their feet! Austin definitely has a massive homeless population that could all use some kindness. Michael had a profound impact on me this morning and I know with some help we will be able to help turn a very kind and generous man’s life around! My wife and I have already decided we are going to book them a room for two nights at lodging nearby, but I sure would like to knock his socks off with more. Depending on how this goes(maybe it goes viral?!?), maybe even a used vehicle with an invitation for a job interview(I’m looking at you service industry folks)! Please find it in your massive hearts to give the gift of giving before Christmas! New year update: Michael and Nancy have now been extended thru 1/13/20 at the extended stay hotel here in Austin with the help of your donations. The plan as it stands is to withdraw the donation money and continue to provide shelter for them until a more permanent solution falls into place which should be soon! I’ve been in contact with a local organization here in Austin(frontsteps.org). Wheels are in motion and I’m confident we should have a solid plan for Michael and Nancy before the end of the month! I will continue to update you all as things unfold. Thank you all again for everything. If you haven’t had the chance to see the two news stories fox7 Austin ran, they are worth a watch! 

News Story #1 

News Story #2 

-Aubrey