Travel writer, Rick Steves, is not just well-known for his books and videos, but also for his ability to go above and beyond to improve and enrich the lives of others. How so? He bought an entire apartment complex and fixed it up for the sole purpose of giving homeless single mothers a place to live.
In 2005, Rick bought the Trinity Place complex, which, at the time, was completely run down. He transformed the location beautifully, and allowed single mothers recovering from drug addiction to live there with their children, so that they could have the best possible life. Additionally, he asks for no rent or payment in return.
“Everyone says if you consume more, you’re happier. But that’s not the mark of a very thoughtful person,” says Rick, as he talks about his initiative. He adds, “Imagine the joy of knowing that I could provide a simple two-bedroom apartment for a mom and her kids as she fought to get her life back on track.”
One single mother, Tamara, who was homeless up until just one year ago, with her children in foster care, now lives at Trinity Place. She talks about her experience by saying, “It means being able to have my kids with me, and being able to raise them and be a mom again and get my life back on track.”
Rick’s amazing grand gesture really has had a positive effect on the women living in the complex, and by giving so selflessly, he is able to share his hard-earned fortune and make a difference. “I don’t think it’s particularly loving…to house people. I just think it’s enlightened. I want to get a return on my money,” he says.
Click on the video below and watch Rick talk about his efforts. If you’ve absolutely loved this heartwarming story, he sure to share it with your family and friends.
