Adopt a Homeless
My name is Tom Gaddis. I'm a retired public relations executive and live in Southern California. My heart has always been with the homeless. A year ago, I helped out at Bread of Life Rescue Mission, a homeless shelter in Oceanside, where I met a couple with a ten-year old girl. They lost their home because the dad, Tony, lost his job after a tragic accident.

Tony was driving his truck on a windy road with his boss when he saw a small car in his rear view mirror heading straight for him at a very high speed. He swerved into a ditch and his truck rolled. His actions saved the 19-year old driver's life and saved the young girl's family from unspeakable pain. Apparently, she had been blinded by the sun.

Tony suffered a severe back injury, which cost him his job. For two years, the insurance company refused to compensate him, and Tony and his wife and daughter ended up sleeping in their van. When I met them, this van was in disrepair with a broken window and mechanical problems.

I was touched by this family's plight and took them under my wing. I drove them around to attorneys and court appointments, helped them get into a small cottage. They ended up with a meager settlement, and now they're back on their feet with jobs, living in a cozy apartment.

Throughout this entire time, even while they were homeless, their daughter remained on the honor roll at school and continued playing the violin.

The family with Tom
Their home for two years
Living in a cottage
Yesenia's birthday
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