[Update] Homeless Man Who Gave Away His Last $20 Just Bought a New Home

While driving down a dark road outside of Philadelphia, a woman named Kate McClure ran out of gas. She was about to start hiking to the nearest gas station when a homeless man named Johnny Bobbit Jr. stopped her.

As The Mind Unleashed previously reported, Bobbitt requested she get back in her car and said he would fetch the gas for her. At the time, McClure had no cash on her. Bobbit said that didn’t matter, however, and used his last $20 to buy fuel for her vehicle.

Credit: Kate McClure/GoFundMe

McClure was so moved by his generosity, she vowed to return the next day and repay him. She did more than that — she also started a GoFundMe campaign to raise some funds for him. As soon as his story was shared, good Samaritans all around the world chipped in to repay him for his good deed.

Before long, the GoFundMe campaign raised over $100,000! Not wanting to “take advantage” of supporters, Bobbitt asked for the campaign to be halted. But due to popular demand, McClure started it again. In the weeks that have passed, over $400,000 has been raised. As a result, Bobbit has just purchased a new house.

The good news was shared in an update to the campaign. Wrote Bobbit in a “thank you” note to all of the donors:

“Sorry for the lack of updates but I’ve been pretty busy the last few days as you can imagine (Kate taught me about emojis this week). Just wanted to let you all know that thanks to all of you and with the help of Kate and Mark I was able to purchase MY NEW HOME yesterday! The feeling is indescribable and it all thanks to the support and generosity that each and every one of you has shown. I’ll continue to thank you every single day for the rest of my life.”

Credit: Kate McClure/GoFundMe

A portion of the money that was raised will be donated to several organizations and individuals who have helped look after him over the years. Bobbit will also be treating himself to his dream car: a used 1999 Ford Ranger.

According to GoodNewsNetwork, all of the donations are being managed by a lawyer and a financial advisor who have already set up two trust funds in Bobbit’s name. One of the funds will be for giving the Marine Corps veteran a yearly “salary.” It will also be used for his daily living expenses. The other will act as a retirement fund for his future.

A Reminder of Kindness

One might suppose that Bobbit’s story went viral for several reasons. First, it reminded the world that kindness has not gone extinct. This is important, for, in the era of Donald Trump, division seems to be the only thing Americans agree on.

Secondly, it likely re-affirmed the belief that it is possible for good people to rise out of poverty. At present, the majority of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. Additionally, 71 percent are in debt, with the majority believing they will be in debt forever. U.S. citizens have been sold a “dream” that is an illusion. “Things” don’t provide happiness, experiences and healthy relationships do. Recognizing their own discomfort in a system which serves only the minority, the general populace is restless and in desire of change.

Perhaps because of stories like Bobbit’s, more people are finding a sense of community in collaboration. And, perhaps, this is inspiring them to believe that the status quo won’t be how it is forever. Let’s hope.

We wish Johnny all the best and hope others are inspired by his example and story. Please comment your thoughts below and share this news!

h/t GoodNewsNetwork