Old Friends Recognize Homeless Man And Give Him A Place To Live
October 30, 2019
A man who spent more than two decades on the streets now has a place to live thanks to some old friends from middle school.
Credit: KVUE
Coy Featherston, 66, said he became homeless in the 90s after a string of unfortunate circumstances in Atlanta. Over time, Featherston made his way to the Austin area, where he slept in the doorway of the St. Austin Catholic Church near UT's campus.
This is where Leea Mechling, an old friend who said she knew him from middle school, comes in.
Mechling recognized Featherston in a photo in a local newspaper.
"I saw my friend and I just couldn't leave him out there," Mechling told KVUE.
She drove around every day until she finally found him.
"He was right there in front of the church feeding the pigeons," said Mechling.
Featherston said he instantly recognized her. After a hug and some catching up, Mechling took Featherston to her home, where she then told other old friends. She said they all instantly stepped in to help and some friends came over right away with new clothes.
One of those old friends, Don Vanderburg, is letting Featherston live with him until he can get back on his feet.
They also launched a GoFundMe page which has raised over $18,000.
"Up until a few weeks ago he was living on the street in Austin as a homeless person," Patrick Judd wrote on GoFundMe. "He had no food, no shelter, no friends, no hope and no love. How all this started is that a newspaper article last week by the Austin American Statesman on the homeless used a photo of Coy and identified him in the caption. That alerted a number of us to his plight and within a day or so Leea Meckling went and found him and offered her home to Coy for a number of days. For most of us we haven't seen or heard from Coy in over 20+ years!! Alot of us discussed what to do next and that finally led to me suggest starting this GoFundMe campaign to get him back on his feet again."
Credit: KVUE
For Featherston, it's a dream come true to have a new beginning.
"Maintain connection with good friends because you're gonna need 'em one day," said Featherston.
To make a donation to Featherston, visit GoFundMe.
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
Cockatiel Keeps Owner Awake With Earth, Wind & Fire Performance
Meet Bruce: The Mysterious Cat With A Unique Coat
The Cat At This AirBnB Leads Guests On Memorable Hikes Along The Appalachian Trail
Woman Announces Her Passing On LinkedIn, Her Message Is Spreading Far And Wide
The World's Most Expensive Cow Sells For Over $4 Million
Mom Asks For Help After Husband Suggests The 'Worst Name Ever' For First Child
Teddy Has Had Enough! Baby Has Hilarious Reaction To 'Happy Birthday' Song
Simon & Garfunkel Sing 'Baby Got Back' Instead Of 'Sound Of Silence' In Hilarious Mashup
Dad Cries Tears Of Joy As Daughter Performs Perfect Gymnastics Routine To 'Never Grow Up'
These Flamingo's Dancing To 'Thriller' Is Guaranteed To Make Your Day
Wild Crow Becomes Little Boy's Self-Appointed Godfather