Homeless Son, Mom Spend Christmas Indoors Thanks To Strangers

NORTH AUSTIN, TX - A homeless mother and son were able to celebrate Christmas with a roof over their heads, thanks to the kindness of strangers like Aubrey Gill.

Every Friday, Gill's company brings in breakfast to work. However, because many of his co-workers were on vacation due to the holidays, this resulted in a lot of leftover food. Rather than see the extra food go to waste, he went out looking for people in need to feed.

"Michael was the first person I found," Gill said. "He was standing on the side of an underpass in North Austin with a sign that read, 'looking for work/hungry anything helps.'"

With a big smile, Michael immediately dug in and gave Gill a big thumbs up of approval.

"It felt good bringing that joy to him," Gill said.

Gill soon learned that not only was Michael homeless but so was his mother, Nancy, who's disabled. The two had been living in a tent under a highway.

"As he told me about how he ended up there with his mother, I couldn’t help but think how fortunate I am," Gill explained. "Michael and I are the same age, both grew up in Austin attending rival high schools, lost our fathers, and have mothers battling disabilities. Yet I live in a house, and he lives in a tent under a highway taking care of his mother."

To help share Michael's story over social media, Gill recorded a video of hoping it would encourage other people to help mother and son out. In the video, Michael explained how he became homeless.

“Cost of living, stretched myself out too far helping other family members. My dad passed away in April, so it’s been hard," Michael said.

In the video, he also proceeded to list things that he and his mom needed to survive.

“Clothing, blankets, transportation would be a Godsend and employment," he said in the video.

After recording the short video, Gill drove away, however, he said he couldn't help but be filled with emotion and an even stronger desire to do something more. That's when he created a GoFundMe page for Michael and his mother.

"I want to not only give these two the gift of a roof over their heads for a night or two, but enough money to maybe buy that car that will get Michael and his mother Nancy back on their feet!" Gill said on the GoFundMe page he created for the two.

To his surprise, the donations began to pour in - some as far away as England. With the money raised, Gill was able to put Michael and his mother in a hotel for Christmas.

"They will have a roof over their heads into 2020 and possibly beyond if this fundraiser keeps gaining momentum!" Gill posted on the page. "This is absolutely incredible y'all!"

As of Thursday, more than $6,000 has been raised through the page. To donate to GoFundMe, click here.