Homeless Man Curtis Jackson Gives Thousands to Single Mom Who Helped Him

When a single mother lost her job and home, homeless man Curtis Jackson began paying her daily hotel bill out of his collection of change.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on May 13 2011

Curtis Jackson has lived on the streets of Chicago since 2004, panhandling for spare change. Most people don’t give him a cent—but one woman, a single mother who worked at a local bank, was always kind to him. She’d give him a few dollars, and stop to ask him about his day.

But last year, things began to fall apart for Jackson’s Good Samaritan. She lost her job, and was no longer able to make payments on her mortgage. She lost her home, and a social worker gave her enough money for her and her son to spend a few nights in a hotel. She wasn’t sure what she’d do next—until Jackson showed up to help.

Because the woman had been so kind to him when he needed her help, Jackson is repaying her kindness with his own: Every night, he shows up to pay her hotel bill out of the money he’s collected from panhandling that day.

“All I can do is get out there and put a sign in my hand, or put a cup in my hand and ask people to help me out, and everything I get, except maybe bus fare and something to eat, I give it to her,” he told My Fox Chicago. Since December, he’s given her $9,000 to support herself and her son.

The down-on-her-luck single mom is amazed that Jackson has come through for her.
“I’ve donated to charities, I’ve helped other homeless families—never realizing that one day we’d be in this situation,” she said. “So thank God that we did have an angel waiting for us.”

Filed under: Heroes,

Liked this? You'll love these, too:

5 Former Slaves Who Are Changing the World

Former slaves such as Somaly Mam, Simon Deng, and Iqbal Masih have stood up and fought for human rights. Read More
10 Animal Heroes from History: Cher Ami, 9/11 Nikie and More

A carrier pigeon, a Golden Retriever dog, a Shih Tzu, a cow and a goat are a few amazing animals who've saved the lives of humans. Read More
5 More Life-Saving Animals: Filippo the Dolphin, Binti Jua the Gorilla, and More

A continuation of our story on 10 animals who've rescued their human friends. Read More
Janitor Rescues Failing Business, Now Is Co-Owner

Tony Lee, who worked as a janitor at car parts company Ring Masters in Massillon, Ohio, came up with a business plan to save the company, which is now profitable. Read More
A Fallen Soldier’s Last Gift: Bruce Hays and the Apache Project

After soldier Bruce Hays died in Afghanistan, his Wisconsin neighbors worked to restore an old truck that he'd promised to his wife Terry. Read More