kindness

In Seattle, a groundbreaking initiative is taking shape on a plot of land owned by the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, where a tiny house village is being constructed to provide shelter for the homeless. This innovative project aims to offer a safe and dignified living space for those in need, featuring 14 insulated homes equipped with electricity and oil heating. More importantly, the village includes a central building that houses restrooms and running water, with showers set to be installed soon. Each tiny house costs approximately $2,200 to build, making this an economically viable solution to homelessness. Residents will pay a modest $90 monthly fee for utilities, allowing them to regain a sense of stability while they work towards more permanent housing solutions. The Lutheran Church’s commitment to this cause marks a significant step in addressing the homelessness crisis that has plagued Seattle in recent years. This tiny house village is not just about providing shelter; it represents a shift in how communities can support their most vulnerable members. By offering a secure environment where individuals can lock their doors and have access to basic amenities, the village serves as a model for future initiatives across the city. Steve Tucker, a church member involved in the project, emphasizes the importance of these homes by stating, “The difference is you have electricity and a lock on the door.” This simple yet weighty statement encapsulates the essence of what these tiny houses provide: safety and dignity. As residents begin to move into their new homes, the village is already becoming a ray of hope for many who have faced the harsh realities of living on the streets. The project has garnered support from various community organizations and volunteers who helped construct the homes, demonstrating a collective effort to combat homelessness. The involvement of local groups like the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) ensures that residents receive case management services aimed at helping them transition into permanent housing and employment opportunities. This collaborative approach not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness. However, while this tiny house village represents progress, it also faces challenges typical of such initiatives. Some neighboring businesses express concerns about potential impacts on their properties and community dynamics. Despite these challenges, advocates argue that tiny house villages are essential components of a broader strategy to alleviate homelessness in Seattle. By providing safe, supportive environments that prioritize dignity and stability, these villages can help individuals reclaim their lives and reintegrate into society. As more tiny house villages emerge across Seattle, they hold the promise of transforming how communities respond to homelessness and offering hope to those in need.

The story of a French baker, Michel Flamant, and a homeless man, Jérôme Aucant, intertwines in a remarkable narrative of gratitude and transformation. Flamant found himself in a life-threatening situation due to carbon monoxide poisoning, where Aucant’s quick thinking and decisive action saved his life. This act of heroism sparked an unexpected bond between the two men. Recognizing the impact Aucant had on his life, Flamant decided to extend an opportunity beyond mere thanks—he invited Aucant into his bakery for training, aiming to equip him with skills that could lead to stable employment. As Aucant began his training at Flamant’s boulangerie, it became evident that he was not only willing but also capable of mastering the craft of baking. His dedication and enthusiasm for the work impressed Flamant, who had been searching for someone to carry on his legacy. The training period allowed Aucant to immerse himself in the art of baking, learning the intricacies involved in creating traditional French pastries and breads. The environment was not only educational but also nurturing; Aucant found joy in each task, from kneading dough to crafting delicate pastries. This newfound purpose provided him with a sense of dignity and belonging that had long eluded him while living on the streets. Flamant’s decision to pass on his bakery to Aucant was influenced by the realization that none of his three daughters were interested in taking over the family business. This left him with a unique opportunity: rather than selling the bakery or closing its doors, he could entrust it to someone who had proven themselves worthy through both character and hard work. “So I decided to leave (it to) him,” Flamant remarked, reflecting on the bond they had formed through adversity and mutual respect. This act both secured Aucant’s future and also ensured that Flamant’s legacy would continue through someone who understood its value. Ultimately, this story transcends the typical narrative of charity; it highlights themes of redemption, community, and the transformative power of second chances. By giving Aucant the opportunity to take over his bakery, Flamant recognized the life-saving act as well as fostered a new beginning for both men. This partnership illustrates how acts of compassion can lead to unexpected opportunities for growth and renewal in a community.

An award-winning teacher from England, Zane Powles, has completed his remarkable mission of delivering 7,500 packed lunches to students in need. Concerned about food access during school closures due to the pandemic, Powles dedicated himself to preparing 85 lunches each morning. For 17 weeks, he walked an impressive 7.5 miles daily, covering over 600 miles in total throughout North East Lincolnshire. During this time, he estimates he carried around four tons of food, all to ensure that his students received nutritious meals. The joy on the children’s faces made every effort worthwhile. On July 17, when his school closed for the summer, Powles made his final delivery on an emotionally charged Friday afternoon. Reflecting on his experience, he stated, “When I started these walks I was concerned about the kids and their wellbeing. I wanted to ensure they were safe, healthy, and had access to food.” He expressed his emotional connection to the students: “After all these months it was a bit emotional for it to come to an end—I love seeing my students and checking up on them. It’s so important to me.” Powles emphasized that his commitment goes beyond just delivering meals: “I’m just doing my job at the end of the day. My role is to help nurture and educate children and take care of them.” He concluded with a heartfelt sentiment about the impact of his work: “I can’t believe how far it’s gotten—I never expected to do any of this, but it’s crucial that it doesn’t end here.”

An elementary school teacher, Sara Shabir, created a unique end-of-year gift for her third-grade students by crocheting miniature dolls that resemble each child. This heartfelt project, which began in May, culminated in a special presentation at Tyndale Community School in Oxford, England, as the school year concluded. Over the course of 240 hours, Sara meticulously crafted 30 dolls, dedicating approximately eight hours to each one. The 32-year-old teacher embraced crocheting as a hobby during the COVID-19 lockdowns. With the end of the term approaching, she felt a strong desire to honor her students with a memorable keepsake that reflected their individuality. “I feel a massive sense of accomplishment in completing this project—and the joy the children showed when they saw them was worth everything,” she expressed on Instagram. The project gained widespread attention after Joanna Borysiak, a parent of one of the students, shared photos on Twitter-X, praising Sara as “the absolute GOAT.” She highlighted how each doll captured the children’s unique hairstyles and clothing perfectly. Sara explained the challenges she faced in matching skin tones and hair colors, stating, “I pondered over each one carefully and even created a spreadsheet to keep track of my color choices.” Her meticulous planning and dedication made the effort worthwhile. When we do life with the interest of others at heart, everything becomes so beautiful.

Friendship transcends all boundaries, barriers, castes, and colors, forging strong, unbreakable bonds and creating authentic experiences that enrich our lives. It is a powerful force that can unite individuals from vastly different backgrounds, demonstrating that genuine connections can flourish even in the most unlikely circumstances. A heartwarming example of this powerful connection is the story of Kameron Eisenberg, a kindergarten student at Cane Bay Elementary School in South Carolina, and Mr. Charles, a dedicated bus driver for the Berkeley County School District. Their friendship blossomed against the backdrop of Kameron’s initial struggles in school, where he frequently found himself in the principal’s office due to behavioral issues. Recognizing the challenges Kameron faced, Mr. Charles took it upon himself to become a source of support and encouragement. Mr. Charles approached Kameron with kindness and understanding, saying, “Look, you’re my little buddy,” and committed to rewarding good behavior with small prizes each week. This simple yet profound gesture marked the beginning of a transformative journey for Kameron. Under Mr. Charles’s mentorship, Kameron not only improved his behavior but also developed a newfound enthusiasm for school and life. His mother, Kelly Eisenberg, noted how drastically her son’s attitude shifted for the better. Their relationship extended beyond the school bus; they shared outings to McDonald’s and ice cream shops and even attended Kameron’s baseball games together. Mr. Charles expressed deep affection for Kameron, stating that he holds a special place in his heart for him. This bond exemplifies how friendship can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and emotional healing. The story of Kameron and Mr. Charles is a poignant reminder that true friendship can emerge in unexpected places and that simple acts of kindness can weave together the fabric of our shared humanity. It inspires us to embrace compassion and recognize the transformative power of connection in our lives. In a world that often feels divided, their friendship transcends popular logic, illustrating that love and support can bridge any divide.

In 2019, GNN reported that country music star Brad Paisley had initiated the development of a free grocery store aimed at helping Nashville residents facing food insecurity shop with dignity and a variety of options. After five years filled with unforeseen challenges, Paisley is now planning to expand by establishing another location in North Nashville. “We’re going to open another location as soon as we get all the T’s crossed and I’s dotted,” Paisley announced to attendees at last month’s CEO Roundtable awards, as reported by the Nashville Business Journal. “It’s groceries with dignity,” he emphasized, noting the contrast between his vision and the typical experience of receiving food aid. “We envisioned something completely different, where all of the sting of the indignity comes from really your kids seeing you in this precarious position.” The Store by Brad Paisley opened on March 12, 2020, but faced immediate challenges. Just ten days prior, Nashville experienced a devastating tornado outbreak that left over 70,000 residents without power, marking it as one of the costliest tornadoes in U.S. history. Despite operating at limited capacity, The Store quickly mobilized to assist those affected. Shortly after the tornado, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a nationwide shutdown, including Tennessee’s shelter-in-place order. This prompted a rapid shift in The Store’s operations; Brad and Kimberly Paisley and their team developed a pandemic response program overnight that included curbside pickup and home delivery services for vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. This model remained in place for 17 months. Despite these hurdles, the initiative aligned with Brad and Kimberly’s goal of teaching their children about service. “We’ve got to get them into service and get them out of their bubble, and help them understand that there are hungry people in the world,” Kimberly Williams-Paisley stated on The Store’s website. Over time, The Store expanded its offerings to include comprehensive support services such as counseling, budgeting assistance, cooking classes, literacy programs, pet care support, back-to-school resources, and music therapy. In November 2023, it introduced a toy store to help provide gifts for the 400 families it regularly serves during the holiday season. “The emotional aspect of being able to give your child something they wanted versus just something to get you through the holidays is such a relief for someone who may not have thought they could do that,” Paisley remarked.

Many believe that the world is experiencing unprecedented violence, with increasing wars and murders; however, Steven Pinker, a prominent psychologist from Harvard, argues otherwise. In his book, The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, he presents compelling data showing significant decreases in war deaths, domestic violence, racism, rape, and murder. Pinker asserts that “the decline of violence may be the most significant and least appreciated development in the history of our species.” He attributes this decline to several factors: the growth of government, increased literacy, expanded trade, and a rise in cosmopolitanism. He explains that these changes have led to better impulse control, greater empathy towards others, a preference for negotiation over aggression, and a critical approach to harmful ideologies. In essence, Pinker emphasizes that humanity’s capacity for empathy, self-control, moral reasoning, and rational thought has helped steer society away from violence towards cooperation and altruism.

An insightful new book by Washington Post journalist Eli Saslow highlights several instances where President Obama personally intervened to assist struggling Americans whose letters reached him as part of his daily routine of reading ten letters from citizens. On occasion, Obama revealed that he had written personal checks or made phone calls on behalf of the letter writers, believing this was the most effective way to achieve prompt assistance. “It’s not something I should advertise, but it has happened,” he shared with Saslow. In many other cases, he forwarded letters to relevant government agencies or Cabinet members, often including a handwritten note that stated: “Can you please take care of this?” Reflecting on the impact of these letters, Obama remarked, “Some of these letters you read and you say, ‘Gosh, I really want to help this person.’” Life places us in positions, let’s learn to spread kindness while there.

It appears that angels can sometimes be found in brown uniforms. Raheem Cooper, a UPS driver in Valdosta, Georgia, was on his usual delivery route when he noticed an elderly woman collapsed on her driveway. Without hesitation, he called emergency services and remained by her side, affectionately referring to her as “grandmother.” The woman, later identified as Marie Coble, was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent emergency brain surgery for a subdural hematoma. Thankfully, she survived the operation and began her recovery. Kayla Cochran, Coble’s granddaughter, learned about Cooper’s heroic actions and managed to contact him. “I found his number and called him to express my gratitude,” Cochran recounted. “He was truly an angel to our family; without him, she would not have made it.” Five days post-surgery, when Cooper visited Coble, she brightened up and hugged him—her first sign of affection since the incident. In a show of support for Coble’s family, Cooper initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist them, contributing $100 of his own money to kickstart the effort. Recently, he received a letter from UPS’s CEO acknowledging his bravery. Additionally, a coworker gifted him tickets to a Florida State University football game, and he was presented with a plaque in recognition of his selflessness.

A 21-year-old motorcyclist, Brandon Wright, found himself in a life-and-death situation on the bustling campus of Utah State University. It was a typical Monday around noon when disaster struck. As he rode his motorcycle, a black BMW unexpectedly pulled out in front of him, leading to a catastrophic collision. The impact was severe, sending Wright tumbling to the ground and leaving him unconscious beneath the wreckage of his bike and the burning car. As flames began to engulf the motorcycle and the BMW, chaos erupted on campus. Bystanders quickly sprang into action, their instincts kicking in as they rushed toward the scene. Among them were construction workers from a nearby site who immediately recognized the urgency of the situation. They joined forces with students, all determined to lift the heavy vehicle off Wright. Their combined strength was fueled by adrenaline and a shared sense of purpose, kindness to humanity. Meanwhile, a professor observing from an upper window of a nearby building captured the unfolding drama on his phone. The footage would later serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the heroism that can emerge in moments of crisis. As rescuers arrived with fire extinguishers, they feared the worst; initial assessments led them to believe that Wright might not have survived. However, their efforts were relentless. With every ounce of strength, they managed to lift the car just enough to free him from the wreckage. When they finally pulled him out, he was alive but gravely injured. The sight was harrowing: Wright lay there, his body battered but breathing, as bystanders worked to keep him calm until paramedics arrived. The flames flickered ominously in the background, but hope flickered brighter among those gathered. This incident does serve as a strong point in favour of community spirit and heroism, illustrating how ordinary people can become extraordinary when faced with adversity.