We turn to Austin’s own son, George. This family man had spent years transporting fresh seafood to local restaurants in the Austin-area. Time progressed and soon he had created a sustainable income from his small company. As the recession broke and gas prices sky-rocketed, George was determined not to let his business go. A severe car accident derailed his time and health, leaving George to watch in great exasperation as his business dwindled down to what he calls, “nothing but a piece of paper.”
He lost his business and 16 months ago he lost his three-bedroom home to foreclosure. This father of two grown sons was too proud to ask his children for help – until recently, he was too proud to even seek assistance from a food pantry. He made his first visit in December to the St. Ignatius Food Pantry, an agency of the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas. Once in a while he while he benevolently drives other homeless friends to the pantry so that they, too, can stock up the food they need.
Today, George lives in a light blue four-door sedan parked in a neighborhood just by the side of highway 290. Between the doctor’s visits and odd jobs, George earnestly searches for a steady source of income. Until that day, he is forced to rely on inconsistent odd jobs to make ends meet.
Many of us hearing his story may feel saddened, but not George. In the midst of this financial torrent he maintains the strongest sense of hope I have ever seen. He sees a better tomorrow.