Finding a large sum of money on the street is a tempting opportunity for most people. But when Elmer Alvarez, a homeless man, stumbled upon a $10,000 check in New Haven, Connecticut, he didn’t hesitate to do the right thing. He made it his mission to find the owner and return it.
Elmer had faced numerous challenges in life, but his integrity and honesty set him on a path that would change his life forever. The check belonged to real estate agent Roberta Hoskie, who had lost it at a busy intersection without realizing it was missing until the next day.
“I got to look for this person,” Elmer thought when he found the check. Instead of cashing it for himself, he decided to do the honorable thing. “It never crossed my mind because I made a decision to turn my life around. I’ve been clean for three years,” Elmer shared with CBS News.
When Roberta learned that the check had been returned, she was determined to find Elmer and personally express her gratitude. She had envisioned an entirely different person, neatly dressed in a suit. But what she got was Elmer, accompanied by a friend to assist with translation, as his English wasn’t very strong. And to her surprise, Elmer was homeless.
“It shattered the stereotypes,” Roberta admitted. Overwhelmed by Elmer’s integrity, she handed him a check as a heartfelt thank you, and he couldn’t hold back his tears of gratitude.
To dispel the misconceptions surrounding homelessness, Roberta live-streamed their meeting on Facebook. She wanted the world to see the human side of those living on the streets. Roberta understood firsthand the struggles of homelessness, having been a teen mom living in a shelter with just $400 per month to support herself and her son.
Roberta, who had managed to escape poverty and establish her own successful real estate company, extended her kindness to Elmer beyond just a simple thank you. She found him an apartment and covered his rent for seven months. Furthermore, she enrolled Elmer in real estate school, aiming to make him an employee of her company.
Their story doesn’t end there. Together, Roberta and Elmer plan to build a transitional house for homeless teenagers and young adults, providing essential services that Elmer believes are crucial. “I know what it is to be homeless. Nobody deserves to live like that,” he passionately expressed.
Elmer selflessly returned the check without expecting any rewards. It’s heartwarming to see people recognize the humanity in those living on the streets. And now, Elmer has the life he truly deserves. When you extend a helping hand to someone, they never forget, and they often pay that kindness forward, just as Roberta and Elmer are doing.
Let’s spread this inspiring story and remind others about the profound impact small acts of kindness can have.
