A Brief Encounter and Generous Gift for PHP

Here is a brief summary of a very interesting encounter a PHP employee recently had with a client and a passerby:

While out in Buellton for a lunch break, a PHP employee in the Youth Down 2 Business Program, April Wilson, noticed an apparently homeless woman at the entrance to Albertsons.  She was holding a sign asking for food. April said that she will frequently buy food for homeless individuals but never provides money directly.  So, when she was in Albertson’s buying her own lunch, she purchased extra food for the homeless woman. She returned to the entrance area and gave her the food. The recipient was very thankful and April respectfully asked her if she needed assistance. While April spoke with her about her current situation, a woman approached both of them and said to April, “(I)’m glad you stopped to help her because I was worried too.” April gave the homeless woman her business card and told her to call if she wanted further help. April then left as the two other women continued their conversation.  As April walked to her car, the woman who had joined in her conversation with the homeless woman, stopped her and said, “(I)’ve been looking all over the web trying to find an organization in the Santa Ynez Valley to donate to. How you helped her was great.  What is the name of the organization where you work?” April proudly shared that she worked for People Helping People.

The woman asked for directions to our service centerand stated that she would gladly make a donation for the work we do within the community. Surprisingly, the next day, a woman fitting a description provided by April dropped into the PHP service center and donated $2,500.

At PHP, we are moved to do the work we do not by rewards but by the knowledge that we make a difference in people’s lives.  However, it is certainly nice to know that others are touched by what we do and are moved to help as well! 

Dean Palius

Executive Director

People Helping People