During Labor Day weekend in 2016, I drove past a young man walking down the street who appeared to be waiting for someone. Something inside me urged me to stop and ask if he needed a ride. I made a U-turn, approached him, and offered. He hesitated but eventually accepted.

 

As we talked, I learned that the man, Chris, was homeless, jobless, and had no money. He shared that he had left his family and home in Maryland to pursue a business opportunity in Fort Lauderdale, but it had fallen through. A friend had taken advantage of him, leaving him stranded and uncertain about his future. To lift his spirits, I offered words of encouragement, treated him to lunch, and booked him a hotel. I also gave him some cash for food and purchased a ticket for his journey home. Chris was overwhelmed with gratitude, and as he tearfully thanked me.

 

Later that evening, Chris called me and said, 'Kevin, you saved my life today.' I was speechless.

 

What impacted me the most during our brief time together was Chris’s simple gratitude. He told me that all he had wanted was someone to talk to, and he was most thankful for the conversation we had. Two things that are so easy to offer but can mean the world to someone in need.

 

This experience opened my eyes and inspired me to create The KV Project. Through it, I aim to encourage others to lend a helping hand because, as I witnessed firsthand, even a few minutes of your time can change someone's entire day — or even their life.

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Kevin Vaughan