Mom of 3 Invites Homeless Man inside for One Freezing Night Not Knowing He Will Stay Longer

During a cold and snowy day in 2018, a mother and her son couldn't bear the thought of anyone sleeping outside. They knew about a homeless man who needed their help, and they decided to do something unexpected.

Natalie Hawkins was saddened when she heard of a youngster living by himself in an old train. She started to worry about him because of the cold weather conditions.

The mother-of-three recalled speaking with her son, Jack, about a friend who found himself in unfortunate circumstances. Keiran Kilday's family had moved away, and he needed to fend for himself.

SLEEPING OUTSIDE IN THE COLD

Kilday lived in a tent before he found the abandoned train carriage. He tried his best to turn it into a suitable place to live, but the carriage was cold, and he was struggling.

Kilday was alone in icy Wales, and Hawkins couldn't sit by without trying to help him. The 41-year-old woman knew it must have been "awful" to sleep outside in the cold, so she instructed her son to contact Kilday.

IT MADE HIM FEEL AT HOME

They invited him to stay with them, and he was at their front door an hour later. Hawkins shared: "Keiran turns up, and I made him a cup of tea and spaghetti bolognese."

The mother knew Kilday was nervous about staying in their house, but she tried to make him feel welcome. Hawkins remembered that he looked "grey, cold, just completely within himself."

SHE HAD HER JUDGEMENTS

Hawkins told her sister that Kilday was a "good lad," and she could not let him go out onto the streets again. While the mother was aware of the stereotypes attached to homeless people, she looked past them and gave him a chance.

Hawkins said:

“I had those judgments ... he’s going to be on drugs, he’s going to be an alcoholic ... But he wasn’t like that. I knew he wasn’t like that. I just knew.”

GRATEFUL FOR THE DONATIONS

The family also set up a crowdfunding page for Kilday, and people were very supportive. Many donated clothing, food, and other items. He was grateful for the love and kindness from strangers.

Mostly, Kilday was thankful to Hawkins, who took him in as her own. He also said: "To have an airbed and a blanket, it's top. And central heating, I missed the shower."

SURPRISED BY THE SUPPORT

Kilday initially tried to hide his homelessness because he did not want to be judged. He was surprised by the outpouring of support, as was Hawkins.

She said:

“The support has been absolutely immense. People are absolutely 100% behind him. And that’s because of how he is, and how he comes across."

ANOTHER HOMELESS MAN IS HELPED

Homeless people can sometimes move out of poverty thanks to caring citizens. David McDonald was walking along the icy streets in Canada when his path unexpectedly crossed with Kim Cormier.

They started to chat, and a friendship quickly formed. Cormier and her husband wanted to help McDonald find a home and a job, so they invited him for dinner and allowed him to live in a tent in their yard.

She also raised funds for him and hoped he could purchase a home with the donations. McDonald was eternally grateful to Cormier because she gave him another chance at life. By helping the homeless, both Cormier and Hawkins made the world a much better place.