When you see a homeless man sitting on the side of the street begging for money, you feel bad for them, but that doesn’t mean you always take out your wallet to help.
Most of us simply walk on by, even if we could spare some change.
But one woman named Cesia Abigail Baires totally changed the game when it came to helping out the homeless.
It all began three years ago, when a homeless man named Marcus walked into Abi’s Cafe in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
He looked the cafe’s owner, Cesia Abigail, right in the eye and asked for money.
“Why don’t you have a job,” she answered, adding, “You know nothing is given to me for free right?”
The homeless man told Cesia that a job was what he wanted most in the world.
But due to his criminal record, scoring a job had proved impossible for him and he’d been forced to retreat to a life in the streets.
Marcus’s story hit Cesia right in the chest — and she immediately decided to put her money where her mouth is.
Cesia is the 20th owner of Abi’s Cafe in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Being a struggling café owner, life wasn’t exactly easy for Baires.
She had long fought to keep her café afloat, and it hadn’t always been easy.
When the homeless man entered her café that day, her heart ached for him.
The guy, named Marcus, walked into her El Salvadorean restaurant called Abi’s Café in Minneapolis asking for money, something in her told her to help.
“I’ve seen him going up and down on Main Street before like a lot of other homeless people. He walked into the restaurant and I felt a connection with him. He came in asking for money,” Baires said.
Overworked herself, she did actually need a helping hand, although she could barely afford it.
That way, Cesia could take some pressure off herself, and she could help him earn some cash. Marcus gratefully accepted.
Cesia writes on Facebook:
“I was short staff that day, so I asked him, “You want to work? I have a job for you! His eyes opened wide and his smile made my day!!!! He said, ‘I’ll do anything for some food.’ So now for almost two weeks, he’s been on time for his two-hour shift… helping take out trash, washing dishes etc. Once I pay him, guess what he does? He buys food from my restaurant — HE DECIDES TO PAY — because it makes him feel good!”
Cesia continues:
“With his new job, Marcus has found new confidence in himself and he’s a changed man.
Do something nice for someone today and don’t judge them just because they’re out there asking for money for we dont know their situation… some deserve another shot. God gave me this blessing so why can’t I bless others?”
After Cesia decided to spread the word about Marcus and the importance of doing something kind of someone on Facebook, her message took off.
People from all over the world were blown away by how Baires paid it forward. People were also very impressed of what a great attitude Marcus had.
Many even offered to donate to him, so Baires set up a crowdfunding page where she exceed her $1,000 goal with over $8.000.
I think most homeless don’t want to be homeless, but circumstances prevent them from getting a job. Marcus seemed thrilled to be able to work to pay his way. I bet he gave her more that she gave him.
What do you think of how Baires helped this man on the streets? Would you ever do something like this?
I wish more people cared like she did the world would be a better place.
Please share this inspiring story if you also think that everyone deserves a second chance.
