World

Homeless Woman's Plea to Obama Draws Flood of Support

by Blue Crush | February 13, 2009 at 12:43 am

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FORT MYERS, Florida - They were just two more jobless people in an economy full of them. Sixty-one year old Henrietta Hughes and her son were living out of their pickup truck, but they now have a glimmer of hope, after reaching out to the President in an emotional plea for help.

They had come south from Rochester, New York early last year with the promise of jobs and warm weather. Their money ran out, they then lost their two bedroom apartment, forcing them to live in their truck, camping out night after night in parking lots alongside homeless, nameless faces.

When the Hugheses learned Obama was coming to Fort Myers, for a town hall meeting, they slept outside in line for tickets. She prayed all night that she'd have the chance to speak with the president.

"I've been praying for you," she told Obama when he called on her.

"I appreciate prayer," he smiled.

"The housing authority has two years waiting list and we need something more than parks to go to," she said. "We need our own kitchen and our own bathroom. Please help."

To the others who spoke of their struggles in the economy, Obama talked about statistics and the stimulus bill and promise of change. But to a plea so earnest and vulnerable, even the president could say little.

Looking into Hughes' grandmotherly face, he offered help.

"We're going to do everything we can. All right?" Obama told her, directing his staff to meet with her.

The President stepped forward and kissed her cheek.

After the meeting, the wife of a local state representative offered to let the Hugheses live free in one of their homes. A police officer paid for three nights at a nearby hotel. There was free furniture, a job interview for Hughes' son, Corey, and a visit from the head of the local housing authority.

"She was sincere and direct and to the point, and she needed help," Chene Thompson, wife of Rep. Nicholas Thompson said, "And it actually touched me and I started to tear up and I started to cry ... It sort of broke my heart."

"You don't have to be a politician to put forth a stimulus package," Chene Thompson said during a joint interview with Hughes Thursday on CNN's "American Morning." "This is our own little mini-stimulus package for a person who was a stranger and now is a friend.
"Anybody can help anybody at any time. It doesn't need to be something that comes from Washington; it can come from your own home and from your heart, even if it's for a little bit."