Most people have become accustomed to seeing individuals standing along the side of the road and asking for a handout. They may look the part, perhaps even wearing dirty clothing and, although there are times when some may actually need assistance, there are also some who are just trying to play the system. In fact, it can be difficult to tell the difference unless you know the individual because you don’t know what is going on behind the scenes. They may be legitimately in need of help but then again, that may not be the case.
In West Seneca, New York, there was a man who was also experiencing difficulties. He had been standing on the side of the road for a few months practically every day, holding signs and asking for some help. Many people were accustomed to seeing him as he stood there holding those signs, but they weren’t expecting what he was going to do next. The man, who many people only knew as Kevin, held a sign saying he was drug-free, looking for a job, and was ex-military. He was also a relatively polite individual that was going through a difficult time in life, and many people recognized that he was genuine in his effort to get his life back on track again.
At times, he would be out there every day but at other times, he wouldn’t be there more than two or three days a week. It really depended upon his situation and how well he was able to do, considering the difficult circumstances he was going through.
Some people were concerned because Kevin was not in his familiar area but there was a handwritten sign on a signpost that told the story. It said quite simply: “Thank you everyone who has helped. I start working Monday.” it’s always nice when a community comes together and this community has a lot to be proud of, because they did the right thing.