To this driver, the man in question stood out from the usual panhandlers. When he saw him on the roadside, he felt compelled to stop, offer some money, and took a photo to share on the internet. However, he had no idea who would ultimately see it.
When we encounter individuals panhandling by the roadside, it’s challenging to fathom the circumstances that led them there. Are they victims of unfortunate events, or are their current circumstances a result of their choices?
While each situation is unique, it’s evident that every homeless person can benefit from assistance. Fortunately, the Indianapolis community came together when they noticed a man suffering on the streets.
The first person to share an image of the homeless man, later identified as Johnny Rhodes, on Facebook was Johnny Servantez. He emphasized that Johnny wasn’t just homeless; he was literally starving on a busy roadside while countless people passed him by without a second thought. Johnny Servantez wrote:
“I felt compelled to help this poor man. I usually don’t give money to panhandlers… But this man’s condition was severe, with his stomach almost touching his back, and his ribs protruding. If you’re at Thompson and Madison in Indianapolis, consider giving him a dollar or two, at the very least. This man isn’t emaciated by choice. I’ve seen skinny drug addicts, and this man is suffering from starvation.”
Within minutes, Johnny Servantez’s photo was widely shared and reached an unexpected recipient: Johnny Rhodes’ brother, Danny. Danny hadn’t seen his brother in seven years after their mother’s passing and had been searching for him, to no avail. Johnny’s history of substance abuse had made locating him incredibly challenging.
Even with the photo’s help, finding Johnny proved elusive. That’s when a compassionate stranger named Amy Ranae Smith stepped in.
Amy initiated a Facebook page named “Team Johnny Rhodes” and encouraged members to share Johnny’s location if they spotted him in town. Hundreds of people started posting images of Johnny’s recent whereabouts, aiding Danny in locating his brother.
After weeks of searching, the two brothers were finally reunited. Though Johnny remained hesitant to seek professional help, he did receive a warm meal and a safe place to rest his head.
Amy shared the details of their meeting: “He had two meals, a hot shower, clean clothes, a room to himself with peace and quiet, a king-size bed, a TV with cable, a fridge, a microwave, Pepsi, and leftovers. He is safe and resting.”
Despite Johnny’s reluctance to accept help, Danny remains determined to keep reaching out to his brother. Family bonds are unbreakable, and Danny understands that he can’t simply give up.
While Johnny still spends a significant amount of time on the streets, the community is well aware of his situation and regularly updates the Facebook page. Hopefully, their kindness will eventually persuade Johnny to turn his life around.
