A disabled veteran and young father named Lonnie Whitfield had just about given up hope when the Memphis Veterans Affairs office turned him away.
The former U.S. Marine has several mental health disorders and was unable to find work. The 28-year-old was forced to live in his car, until he received a phone call that changed his life forever.
Whitfield's heartbreaking story had recently been featured on Memphis' WREG station with one line that made all the difference: "If you would like to reach out to Private First Class Whitfield, email us at [email protected]," WREG posted on their site.
The responses came pouring in from all around the country, but one woman was especially touched by Whitfield's story. Kim Caliendo, a Florida real estate agent, was once homeless herself and knew the veteran's heartache. She used her connections to secure the homeless Marine a place to live, and even raised enough money to get him furniture.
Whitfield's story also inspired fellow Memphis man James Knowles to start the Love Project, which hopes to work with hotels and restaurants in the area to provide warm meals and places to stay.
Now, the man who gave so much for others can finally get a little help himself. "I've been given this chance," Whitfield said to WREG. "I’m going to be sure to help someone else along down the line. We all can do more. We all can make America a little bit better."
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