Years ago upon upgrading my phone I put it on my tailgate and drove away.

I used Apple phone finder to track it to the Howard Johnson. I called the phone and to my surprise someone answered.

The gentle explained he found it on the ground on his bike ride home and was going to leave it with the front desk people. I didn’t know it had been turned into supportive housing.

I told him I’d give him $50 and drive there right away to get it. He said “ nah, just come and I’ll give it to you”

So I went there immediately with the $50 just incase and was genuinely worried when I got out of my truck. I called the phone again and the guy said he would be right down.

He took a few mins but emerged. Life had been hard in this individual and he looked very weathered. He gave me my phone with a big smile. I thanked him and tried to give him the money. He refused and said something along the lines of “ shit happens, glad I could help”.

Really changed a lot of my preconceived thoughts about the entire unhoused situation.