A simple act of kindness on Easter Sunday helped change the life of a man who had been homeless for 18 years.
Many people around us are facing silent struggles, especially those living without a home or support. They carry pain, illness, and deep loneliness that often go unnoticed.
But nothing is hidden from God. He sees every need, and sometimes He answers through people who are willing to stop and care.
This story is a reminder that any of us can become part of God’s answer to someone’s prayer.
She Noticed a Man Sitting Alone
Hilary Holmes in Melbourne, Australia, was spending Easter Sunday with her family when she noticed a man sitting alone at a tram stop.
He looked tired and unsure, and he was hiding plastic bags of belongings in the bushes nearby. She later learned his name was Daniel.
He had been homeless for 18 years and had just returned to Melbourne after living in Tasmania, where he had some support. But after coming back to the city, he had been robbed and left with nothing.
She Took the Time to Listen
Hilary brought Daniel a bag filled with snacks and drinks and sat with him.
As they talked, she learned that Daniel lives with diabetes, two hernias, and three tumors. He wanted to seek help, but without a fixed address, he could not get medical support from hospitals.
He had applied for housing through several charities, but due to high demand, he was still waiting for support.
She Invited Him In
That same evening, Hilary invited Daniel into her home for a warm shower and dinner.
As they talked, he shared more about the trauma he had faced over the years and how difficult life had been.
He said he had made mistakes but preferred to look ahead rather than dwell on the past.
Then he said something that deeply moved her:
“He said he asked God yesterday for help, he just asked to be met halfway—and I walked over with the bag 5 minutes later.”
She Started a Fundraiser for Daniel
That moment led Hilary to do more. She decided to start a GoFundMe to help Daniel with housing, food, and medical care. She didn’t expect what happened next.
Within days, the fundraiser brought in over $31,000 AUD. Strangers from all over gave what they could, shared his story, and showed they cared.
He Got the Help He Needed
Daniel used the money to get a new pair of glasses. For the first time in years, he could read menus and documents again.
People at the local church he regularly attends gave him the nickname “Hollywood” because of his sharp new look.
Daniel later told Hilary,
“Do you actually know you have changed my life? No, Hilary, you and your friends really have.”
He now dreams of having a van or small wagon to live in—something of his own where he can feel safe. The remaining funds will go toward clothing, food, and medical costs.
In the meantime, he said he’d be grateful to have a simple swag to sleep during the cold nights.
Hilary shared her own thoughts by writing,
“The power of us, the power of love.”
Let’s Not Miss the People God Puts in Our Path
This story is a powerful reminder that God often works through ordinary people who are willing to stop and help.
We may never know how much one small action means to someone who feels forgotten.
When we take the time to notice, to listen, and to care, we become part of the answer to someone’s prayer.
