For the last 9 years the Austin American-Statesman's Season for Caring Campaign has shared the stories of hundreds of families in need in and around Central Texas. More than $2.8 million has been raised to help support these special families and many others just like them. This year was no different. In November, 12 families were once again featured that were facing overwhelming challenges ranging from homelessness to cancer and other serious illnesses. Once the news spread, the entire community pulled together to help our neighbors in need. Through this, they changed one individual in particular who is near and dear to our hearts, Jimmy Northen.

By now, many of you know that Jimmy is a Bill Payer Program client of Family Eldercare. He is 63 years old, lives with a developmental disability and has been homeless for many years, living underneath a downtown bridge. Jimmy dreamed of having his own place, warm and safe, where he no longer had to worry about anyone stealing from him or bullying him. This dream seemed like it might come true after the Statesman's Season for Caring campaign featured Jimmy along with 11 other families in late November.

The phone calls of support poured in after the November 25^th article ran that detailed Jimmy's story of difficult times, cold nights and his humble and unwavering positive attitude about it all. Clothing donations, grocery gift cards and blankets came first, all with reports of how Jimmy's story had touched their hearts. Jim and Cheryl George purchased a brand new bike for Jimmy so that he would have a dependable mode of transportation. The Bicycle Sport Shop donated a year of free maintenance for Jimmy's bike.

Dr. Barry Rouch of Arboretum and Westlake Orthodontics was also moved by Jimmy's story. During this season he usually sends gift baskets to his colleagues but this year he felt called to do something different and to involve his circle of business partners, friends and clients. Their financial support made Jimmy's home a reality and he was able to move into his trailer on December 15^th, just in time for Christmas and a winter freeze!

Jimmy has been enjoying life in his new home for two months now, he is kept company by his parakeets, Peety and Tweety, and the many visits from friends, old and new! He enjoys cooking on his George Foreman grill and eating salads and his television is usually set to Animal Planet. Dr. Fredrick Shaw is having dentures made for Jimmy and Dr. Donna Shepherd is fitting him for eye glasses.

Jimmy is still in awe of all the friends he has made through this experience, he can not believe that so many people he did not know were willing to help make his dreams come true. Please keep Jimmy's story in your heart as a reminder that there are many others, just like Jimmy, that need your small gestures of kindness throughout the year. We extend our deepest gratitude to the team at the Austin American-Statesman and all who helped make this possible.

For the story in the Austin American-Statesman and more details about how your can help, Click Here.