Last Thursday I was in downtown Des Moines waiting at the "transit mall" where all the city buses come. I had been there quite a while, waiting for a bus that would take me to a job fair at a local grocery store. I've been unemployed for a LONG TIME and things have been very difficult for me monetarily.

So I was sitting on a bench and across the street I could see this young woman in her 20s. She looked kind of dirty, like she could use a bath, and she was carrying a very large knapsack (looked like all her belongings were in it) and walking with a Labrador dog on a leash. She stopped to talk to one of the people (Operation Downtown) who clean the streets and give directions downtown, and then she walked away from me.

I was curious about her, and when the Operation Downtown man came closer to me I asked whether she was homeless. He said yes, and that she had needed directions to get to some place where she could get some food for herself and the dog. He had told her where she might get some help.

I sat and thought about it a bit longer, and all of a sudden I knew I had to give her some of the little money I had. So even though I had high heels on, I raced down the street in the direction she had gone. But I couldn't see her. I thought I knew where she might have gone so I turned that way, and there she was coming out of a doorway with her dog!

I only had $7 on me, but I thought I could spare $5. I gave her the money, and she was very surprised (since she hadn't even talked to me) and said "thank you". She said she was trying to get to Chicago. I told her I wasn't sure if she could get a bus to Chicago with the dog, but she said he was an assistance animal (I'm not sure what disability she had).

I was thinking that if she could get some other people to give her a little money she might be able to ride the Megabus to Chicago (they have some really cheap fares), but at least she'd have a little something for herself or the dog if she couldn't manage that.

I don't usually give money to people since I'm so strapped myself, and often homeless people spend it on drugs or alcohol. But I just felt something when I saw her and knew I had to give her some of my money.

I am still worried about that girl because it's rough on the streets, even in Des Moines, but I'm hoping she makes it to Chicago.

When I looked at her, I started to think about the story of Abraham in the Bible, where the two strangers come to his tent and Abraham believes they are messengers from God.

I'd like to think that maybe she was an angel too, giving me a chance to share with someone in need. (And please don't tell me I was a sucker!)

I just wanted to share this experience, I told a few people at church about it but I don't want to post it on Facebook.

Good for you!

Good for you!

That was very kind of you to help the young lady. You saw a person in need and reached out to help her. You are to be commended for your thoughtfulness!

You're not a sucker at all. I admire you for it. One time my son told me he always keeps change in his pocket for the downtrodden- he said he never knows what a person is going through and doesn't judge.
I think you and my son would like each other :)
I'm so proud of the person he is.

Your kindness will be multiplied 10 times over...
The Lord bless you and keep you....

I wouldn't even think of calling you a sucker. You might just be right, you were put there to help her. And maybe also you were given the chance to share. I do believe in Angels and incidents that are not quite ordinary like this one, do test us sometimes.

Bless you and thanks for sharing your random act of kindness, it could inspire someone else to do the same. I remember a story on this site around last Christmas of a woman that gave a favorite coat to someone that needed it. There really is kindness in this world, we just need more of it.

if i don't give money to a person with a sign like unemployment out, homeless will work for food. I will pray for them that someone will let them work. don't always have money but God is always available.

Well I think you did a very wonderful thing. Its very hard all over out there. And you just never know anymore. You could end up seeing your own neighbor who has been doing very well, out there some day. And if it wasn't like the Angels sent to Abraham, maybe it was to show that girl, that there still is some good in the world. You know how we get very depressed when going through times like that. But one thing I do know. One day, and who knows when, God will poor a huge blessing on your for that one act of kindness you showed.Bless your heart. :D

What a wonderful act of kindness. You evidently felt something very strong for this young woman. IF there were only more caring people like you in this world. God Bless You!!

You were sweet to help her out when you yourself have so little right now. It is not what how much we give it is that we open our hearts to give at all. This act of kindness will come back to you. There should be more people who are willing to share what little they have.


I did the same years ago when we were in a better financial situation.
We were heading out to dinner with friends and had stopped to get gas because the resturant was a 100 mile round trip. A young couple with a couple little kids were sitting in their car in the summer sun of Central Oregon. The sign they had said they were trying to get enough money to get gas home to Washington. I asked the attendant at the station how long they had been sitting there and had anyone helped them yet. He said they had been there a couple hours and he hadn't seen anyone approach them. I grabbed a twenty and while the truck was being filled I walked over and told them it was all I could spare but maybe it could get them part way home. The girl started to cry and they both thanked me and I wished them luck on making it home. In those days gas was still under $2 a gallon. When I was pulling out of the gas station I looked in my rear view in time to see them flip a u-turn in the lot and pull up to the pump. I knew then it didn't go to waste. I figure if it got those babys out of that hot sun it was the least I could do.

You are not a sucker at all. Homelessness is a very real thing for so many people the world over. We had Homelessness Week last week in our city...the figures would astound you. A lot of them have jobs, just not enough housing at a reasonable price, some have had accidents or been ill, lost their jobs etc....it can only be a matter of 6 weeks a job loss and no family, before even a successful person finds themselves in dire circumstances. You did the right thing at the right time. Blessings to you and I hope things work out with the job-hunting.

If there were more people who would do what you did, this world would really be a much better place. To have people who care about each other just doesn't happen like it used to or like it should.

We saw a man at McDonald's one cold day with a blanket wrapped around him. I watched as he counted his change to see what he could afford to eat - he only ordered a cup of coffee. Then told my DH when he came back with our food. When we left, my DH took a bag of food to his table and told him someone left it for him.

You were such a blessing to that young woman!! Thank you, all of you, who have made a difference in someone's life!

Bless your heart! There is nothing at all wrong with random acts of kindness :D:D:D
I read that many of us are only 90 days from being homeless if we were to lose all of our income... it is a very scary thought...

No matter what.....you didthe right thing at the right time and made a differnce... Not just for the girl in the story, but for all of us who read your post. Thank you.

None of us know what tomorrow will bring and there's no such thing as permanent financial security anymore. We have way too many people who can attest to that. To share what little you had with another person was truly a wonderful thing.

I'm a firm believer in the way to have more is to give more. I have had times when money was tight and seemed non existent but giving what I could when I had it to give brought me good luck and I always bounced back better then ever. The young lady will never forget your kindness and neither will karma.

bless you, bless her and her little dog, prayers for all.

good on you.

You did a good deed for that young woman... You did a GREAT deed for yourself. It goes around and it comes around. You get what you give.

Thanks for sharing your story. You helped someone in need and only good can come from this act. Best wishes to the girl and her dog!

Many of us have entertained angels unawares. I believe strongly in God and angels and love for our fellow man. God bless you for having a tender heart and being willing the respond to an urging from it.

good for you!!! I have been in this same situation recently. With my health issues and money woes I saw a woman on the side of the road at intersection, with her dog. even tho she looked fairly healthy there was something that drew me to her. I have just bought a McDonalds meal for myself and had like5 and some change in my hand still. drove over to the side of the road and handed her the food, drink and the money i had in my hand. There was something in her eyes that made me know she was greatful. I went without my lunch that day but my heart was full!!
Sometimes it just fills you to give!!!

I often do this - I rarely give cash, but I will give a hot meal or a gift voucher that only buys essentials (no cigarettes or alcohol).
I think it comes back to me - I have a pretty good life.

Never, ever think of yourself as a sucker for performing an act of kindness. It really doesn't even matter if she had been an addict or spent the money on something inappropriate. What matters is that you saw a need and responded to your perception of the situation. Good for you for acting on your impulse to help her! You will both be blessed.

Bless you! I think when we ge these little nudgings, the Holy Spirit is guiding us.

What a feel good way to start the day. Thanking God that there are people like you in this world. Have a great day everyone.

years ago, DH and I were both laid off..no money for Christmas. we told no one,not the church, not even family. it was the best Christmas ever..my kids were provided for. we had a meal on the table.
one woman from/at church handed me an envelope..i opened it up, and a gift cert for a shop i had never heard of, was inside..she was embarrassed to give it to me, we sure didn't look like we needed anything. on the way home, i kept thinking..i can get the kids a few things for Christmas,maybe even something for husband. i was so excited...
when i looked up the store in the phone book..i discovered it was a womens clothing store..i HAD to treat myself. lol

no wonder the woman felt embarrased, she was led to give this to me..to bless ME. and she could not figure out why. lol
I needed this act of kindness so badly at this time in my life.
so, never judge a book by it's cover..someone may not look like they are in need.(may even need just a compliment!) .but they are..be lead by the spirit or your heart..whatever you choose to call it. you will never be sorry.

thank you all for sharing your stories. gives you that warm fuzzy feeling..that we need more of in our lives. humbling.

That little voice that told you to do that was God! I'm so glad you listened. You'll be rewarded 10-fold!!! Have a SUPER day!!

Good for you!!! Isn't it fun to help others?

I learned from a friend one day about helping others. We were at lunch in the city and a scruffy, homeless man asked us for money. My friend was so kind to him, calling him 'honey' and said she didn't have any cash that day (she didn't) but would help him out next time.

I in turn, say 'all he would spend that money on was booze.' She replied that we shouldn't give with conditions. It's not up to us what they spend the money on.

It certainly made me think about things. God doesn't give us conditions. That conversation made me a better giver.

NO U WERE NOT A SUCKER JUST A GOOD FRIEND AT THE TIME IF ANY BODY IS A SUCKER IT WILL BE HER IF SHE LIED TO YOU.MAY GOD BLESS YOU RICHLY.

I wouldn't say you were tempted to do an act of kindness but you were LEAD to do it. You were in the right place and followed your heart. You will blessed many times over.

God bless you for your kindness. I'm sure it will change her outlook and give her hope.
As for you, I think you learned an important lesson. Even though you might have been hesitant to step out of your comfort zone and approach the woman, you did so. Too often our own fears keep us from doing as much good as we are able to do.
I always taught my son to never refuse money to someone who asks. Always give even if it's your last dollar. You will always be able to get another dollar, but the person in need might not.
Isn't it amazing how our own acts of kindness transform us?

God Bless you!

As our world continues to change, We must always
remember to continue to give from the Heart !
You did wonderful by helping,something You felt You needed
to do,You see with Your Heart, You are blessed !!.

I think you did the right thing.

Cathy S/Willowwind

So nice to know theres still people out there who care about others!!!! GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!

Thank you for being so kind and God Bless.

You are a very caring person and I think you did the right thing..