A manager's act of kindness helped homeless man find a job
It was a chain reaction — had a stranger not purchased a $100 gift card to an Outback Steakhouse in Fort Worth, Texas, Kenneth Smith might never have met managing partner Laura Hodges, who became his friend, mentor, and boss.
About four years ago, Smith, 50, became homeless after being evicted from his apartment. Earlier this year, he fell asleep outside of the Outback Steakhouse, and a woman woke him up to make sure he was okay. After finding out he was hungry, she went inside the restaurant and returned with a gift card, telling Smith to enjoy dinner on her.
Hodges told Good Morning America she thought this was "really awesome," and sat down with Smith while he ate. Wanting to "pass forward the good favor," she told Smith to "save that gift card" for the next time he needed food, and over a few months, they became friends, chatting when Smith came in to eat. Smith told Hodges how hard it was to find work during the pandemic, and asked if there were any odd jobs that needed to be done at the restaurant. "He was never looking for handouts, he always wanted to earn money," Hodges said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
She extended a full-time job offer to him, and Smith accepted, saying he would be most comfortable working as a busser. "I was so happy, I couldn't believe it," he said. "I feel good knowing that I have a job, knowing that I can smile, knowing that I can do good things." He has been at Outback for nearly three months, and turned to Hodges when he needed help finding new affordable housing. She asked a local Facebook group for suggestions, and in one day, they raised $2,000 for Smith, plus donations of grocery store gift cards, clothes, and a bike.
"That was awesome," Smith told GMA. "I was so honored and grateful." His grandmother was a "great cook," he said, and his dream is to one day own a restaurant. "I learned everything from her," Smith added. "I want to cook some good food and have people taste my food as well."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Catherine Garcia is night editor for TheWeek.com. Her writing and reporting has appeared in Entertainment Weekly and EW.com, The New York Times, The Book of Jezebel, and other publications. A Southern California native, Catherine is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
Antony Gormley's Time Horizon – a 'judgmental army' of 100 cast-iron men
The Week Recommends Sculptures are 'everymen questioning the privilege of their surroundings' at the Norfolk stately home
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'King's horses take free rein through London'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published
-
Is pop music now too reliant on gossip?
Talking Point Taylor Swift's new album has prompted a flurry of speculation over who she is referring to in her songs
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published