kindness

Following ongoing inquiries from ABC News, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and the Queensland Department of Housing have taken decisive action by investigating a family’s circumstances. They have approved a disability-accessible home on the Gold Coast that includes 24-hour nursing assistance. This decision represents a significant advancement in ensuring families with special needs can access suitable living conditions. As the family prepares for their move, they are busy packing up their belongings. The mother, Ashlee, expressed her relief and excitement about the new home. “We can actually sit back and be parents, and not wear all the hats,” she said. This transition allows them to shift their focus from logistical challenges to celebrating important events, such as their daughter’s upcoming unicorn-themed birthday party at the end of July. The new home will provide a supportive environment tailored to their daughter’s needs, allowing for greater independence and comfort. With 24-hour nursing assistance available, the family can enjoy peace of mind knowing that professional care is readily accessible. This change not only enhances their quality of life but also fosters a nurturing atmosphere for their child. Overall, this development underscores the importance of accessible housing and support services for families navigating disabilities. It highlights how community advocacy and governmental support can lead to meaningful changes that improve lives. The family looks forward to making new memories in a space that accommodates their unique needs while allowing them to embrace their roles as parents fully.

Kimberly Gager, a 39-year-old single mother of three from San Antonio, Texas, has turned her shopping addiction into a lifeline for hurricane evacuees. With a remarkable knack for extreme couponing, Gager has managed to donate over $8,000 worth of toiletries and hygienic supplies to those affected by recent disasters. Her impressive skills have allowed her to reduce the costs of essential items like deodorant, toothbrushes, and diapers to approximately $4,000, showcasing how resourcefulness can have an impact on community support. For months, Gager had been hoarding supplies in her garage, initially sending boxes to universities and charities. However, the urgency of the situation prompted her to shift focus toward delivering these much-needed items directly to families in Texas and Florida. This change reflects her commitment as well as highlights the growing need for assistance in the wake of natural disasters. Gager’s efforts have reached dozens of families, providing them with essential hygienic supplies during a time of crisis. An Army veteran and dedicated government employee, Gager has also been fundraising through her personal PayPal page to sustain her charitable efforts. She emphasizes that as long as donations continue to flow in, she will keep purchasing supplies. “As long as the donations keep coming, I’ll keep buying,” she shared on Facebook, expressing gratitude towards retailers like Target and Walgreens for their exceptional support during her mission. This grassroots approach empowers her and also inspires others to contribute to relief efforts. Looking ahead, Gager plans to teach a class on extreme couponing once her delivery commitments ease. By sharing her knowledge and skills with others, she hopes to equip more individuals with the tools needed to make a difference in their communities.

A 17-year-old named Adrian Rodriguez from San Diego made headlines for his remarkable act of honesty after finding a purse in a grocery store parking lot in Chula Vista, California. Two weeks ago, Adrian discovered the green handbag left behind at Ralph’s and chose to return it directly to the owner, Eliana Martin, rather than turning it in at the store. Although Eliana was not home at the time, Adrian left the purse with her roommates, and the incident was captured on their home’s surveillance camera, which later helped identify him as the good Samaritan. Eliana and her friend Melina Marquez were so impressed by Adrian’s actions that they decided to track him down to express their gratitude. Marquez shared her astonishment upon seeing the footage of Adrian ringing the doorbell with the purse in hand. She remarked on how important it is for young people to embody such values and even stated her hope that her own son would grow up to be like him. When Adrian was finally able to meet them, he expressed that he did not expect any recognition or reward for his actions, simply believing it was the right thing to do. In a heartwarming twist, Marquez organized a GoFundMe campaign to reward Adrian for his integrity, which quickly gained traction. The community rallied around him, and within a short period, over 764 donors contributed, raising more than $17,000. This overwhelming support highlights not only Adrian’s character but also the appreciation for kindness in today’s world, as noted by Marquez when she said every parent hopes their children grow up to be like him.

Lisa Curtis, a former hoarder, is now dedicated to transforming the lives of people living in homes filled with clutter and filth. Growing up, she had a fondness for collecting items, which she later recognized as hoarding. Her journey began in 2013 after the death of her father, who was also a hoarder. Upon entering his chaotic home, she found it bursting with belongings, untouched for years. “My dad would never let us into his house,” said Lisa, reflecting on the shock of discovering a time capsule of clutter. Over six months, Lisa spent her weekends sorting through her father’s possessions, deciding what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. His hoarding began after the death of her grandmother in 2001, as he struggled with grief and neglected household maintenance. Heartbroken by the state of his home, Lisa gradually cleared it out while realizing that she shared some of his collecting tendencies. This prompted her to focus on her own three-bedroom house, where she successfully eliminated thousands of items. Encouraged by friends and colleagues who sought her decluttering assistance, Lisa began offering her services as a side hustle. By 2017, this endeavor evolved into a full-time career, allowing her to earn around £50,000 annually. Now a mother of three, she spends her days entering the homes of fellow hoarders to help them confront their habits and reclaim their spaces. The work is rewarding for Lisa; she feels fulfilled knowing she is making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Throughout her career, Lisa has faced challenging situations, including dealing with clients who have stored unsanitary items or accumulated vast collections of unused goods. “I had one lady who had thousands of knitting magazines, all completely unopened,” she recounted. Her experiences have shown her that being a collector doesn’t always equate to an unsanitary environment; however, the lack of space can lead to significant issues over time. Lisa’s personal struggles with hoarding tendencies allow her to empathize with her clients, fostering trust and comfort as they navigate their challenges together. She has worked with various individuals from different backgrounds—some being white-collar professionals like bank managers and architects—who often feel shame about their habits. This stigma can prevent many from seeking help; thus, Lisa aims to educate others about hoarding and raise awareness to reduce feelings of embarrassment. Now committed to advocating for those affected by hoarding, Lisa believes that understanding each person’s story can combat the mean comments that often deter individuals from asking for help. “Everyone has a story,” she emphasizes, hoping to inspire others to seek assistance without fear of judgment or ridicule. She aims to create a more compassionate dialogue around hoarding and its complexities.

Six brightly painted micro houses have recently transformed a vacant lot in Nashville into the city’s first Micro-home Village, a project spearheaded by Reverend Jeff Carr and his community. These compact shelters, each measuring only 60 square feet, provide a significant upgrade from the tents where many homeless individuals previously resided. Equipped with electricity and essential amenities, these homes symbolize hope and stability for those who have faced the harsh realities of living on the streets. The initiative was born out of a mission trip to Haiti, where Carr and his fraternity brother Dwayne Jones saw the impact of small homes on vulnerable communities. Inspired by this experience, Jones utilized his construction expertise to help realize this vision back in Nashville. Reverend Carr’s commitment to the project was evident when he chose to live in one of the micro homes for 45 days, vowing to remain until they raised $50,000 to fund the initiative. His dedication not only galvanized support from the community but also highlighted the pressing need for sustainable housing solutions in Nashville. The funds raised enabled the construction of six micro houses and an electrical generator, which powers heating and cooling units as well as appliances like mini-fridges and microwaves. On August 21, these houses were officially set up on property owned by the Green Street Church of Christ, which had previously allowed homeless individuals to camp on its grounds. During the dedication ceremony, Roger McGue, one of the new residents, expressed his joy at having transitioned from a tent to a home. His excitement resonated with many attendees who recognized the huge difference these micro houses would make in the lives of their new occupants. Carr’s Infinity Fellowship is now looking to expand this model throughout Nashville, aiming to create additional micro homes that can further assist those experiencing homelessness. Meanwhile, Jones has initiated a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of raising $75,000 for a similar project in Memphis, where he envisions constructing even larger micro houses to accommodate more individuals. Each new unit is designed with energy-efficient features and essential living amenities such as laminate flooring, kitchen facilities, and access to electricity. This thoughtful approach not only addresses immediate shelter needs but also promotes dignity and stability for residents as they work towards more permanent housing solutions. The Micro-home Village represents a significant step forward in Nashville’s efforts to combat homelessness through innovative housing solutions that prioritize community engagement and support for vulnerable populations.