Disabled Father Finds Himself on the the Street with 8-Year-Old Son, Gets Noticed by Security Guard
Not everyone would be comfortable approaching strangers. But a kind security guard did that and more when he came across a father and son who looked desperate.
Sadly, many people experience homelessness when they lose their jobs, become sick or fall on hard times. This is a reality for citizens worldwide, and often young children also end up on the streets with their parents.
Mothers and fathers do their best to protect their kids, but it's not always possible. A dad was on the verge of homelessness, and he couldn't bear the thought of his son sleeping on the streets—thankfully, that never came to pass.
[Left] A father and son who were on the brink of homelessness; [Right] A kind security guard who gave strangers a place to stay. | Source: youtube.com/FOX 5 Atlanta
THE SECURITY GUARD COULD NOT IGNORE THEM
When a security guard in Clayton County, Georgia, saw a man with despair on his face, he couldn't look away. He had a child with him, and the security guard decided to approach them.
Amen Webster sat down next to strangers, LaMont Hammond, and his son, as they ordered some food at Waffle House. Webster had no idea how much his concern and care meant to the duo.
A father was worried he would have to sleep on the streets with his son. | Source: youtube.com/FOX 5 Atlanta
HE DIDN'T WANT HIS CHILD TO BE ON THE STREETS
Hammond didn't have enough money for a hotel room, and he was heartbroken thinking about his 8-year-old son sleeping on the cold and dangerous streets.
He had been homeless before and stated:
"I was homeless by myself. I could survive the street on my own but it comes down to the child. It was a totally different game for me. I was really stressed out. I didn't want to see my little boy in the street."
The little boy who was on the brink of homelessness. | Source: youtube.com/FOX 5 Atlanta
HE WAS OUT OF OPTIONS
In 2017, Hammond went into Waffle House to plan his next move, but he knew he was out of options. The worry and stress were evident on his face—it caught Webster's attention immediately.
The security guard, who had also experienced homelessness before, went to the dad and asked him what was wrong. Hammond replied:
"I really was about to cry, but I was trying to be strong for my son. I was trying to get a hotel for me and my son to stay in but all the hotels were too expensive."
The security guard who gave two strangers a place to stay. | Source: youtube.com/FOX 5 Atlanta
HE GAVE THEM A PLACE TO STAY
The security guard saw the little boy shivering and knew he needed to do something about their situation. He understood the father's pain and opened his heart and home to them.
The 37-year-old father was stunned by Webster's generosity and thanked him for helping them when they needed it most. The security guard shared: "I just trusted in the Lord and decided I would let them stay with me."
A father is grateful for the kindness of strangers. | Source: youtube.com/FOX 5 Atlanta
THEY WERE THANKFUL TO THE SECURITY GUARD
Hammond's stay with Webster only lasted 11 days. Thanks to his job at a Zaxby's restaurant and a disability check, the father could secure a two-bedroom apartment for himself and his child.
Hammond got back on his feet, but he would never forget the security guard's kindness. He said:
"He let me stay in his wonderful apartment. I'm thankful for people like that."
A man and the security guard who gave him a place to stay. | Source: youtube.com/FOX 5 Atlanta`
THEY RECEIVED MORE HELP FROM THE COMMUNITY
After Hammond's story was shared online, people wanted to get involved. The family received a sofa, kitchen table, entertainment center, shelf, and desk for the young boy.
The dad was excited to show off his new "kingdom," and the joy on his face was unforgettable. One woman decided to help them and notified her employer about the situation. Together, they gathered supplies, including furniture and kitchen utensils.
A father shows off his new home. | Source: youtube.com/FOX 5 Atlanta
THEIR STORY MELTED PEOPLE'S HEARTS
When asked why she got involved with helping the family, Ashley Sanchez revealed that the innocent little boy melted her heart. She said: I just looked at [the little boy], and I saw something that took my heart away."
Her friend, Kiska Lyons, added: "When I could tell [my friend] was very emotional, I was on board." Webster also wasn't done helping the family yet. He arranged movers to help carry their new furniture, and he was thrilled for the father and son.
IT FELT LIKE A DREAM TO THE FATHER AND SON
Hammond and Webster shared a special bond after their time together, and the father expressed that the experience felt like a dream to him. He said:
"I can't believe that this actually came true. One minute, 11 days ago, I was in [Webster's] house. For minutes I was in the streets, and now I'm actually in my own house, with furniture."
Hammond still needed a bed for himself, but he was delighted that his son had somewhere to sleep and a roof over his head. Looking at his child, the dad shared that he was content. He expressed: "As long as I see this one happy."
THE ONLINE REACTION
Hammond's story touched netizens, and many stated that the world needed more people like the kind-hearted security guard. One user said: "Yes, I love seeing these moments. And we all need to come together and care more for others."
Other commenters revealed that the story left them in tears, and many also thanked Webster. Someone added:
"What an amazing man. God bless him."
Webster's care and consideration had a ripple effect that shows us how one simple gesture can have an incredible impact. Click here for another encouraging story about a woman who helped a homeless and disabled veteran. After she showed him kindness, the older man received the care he desperately needed.