'He Asked God For Help. 5 Minutes Later, She Showed Up': Woman’s Kindness Transforms Homeless Man's Life

May 7, 2025

Today's good news story comes from Melbourne, Australia.

What started as a small act of kindness on Easter Sunday has blossomed into a life-changing journey for a man named Daniel, thanks to the compassion of Hilary Holmes, a Melbourne-based makeup artist with a heart of gold.

Hilary and Daniel / @HilaryHolmesMakeup

While spending the holiday with her family, Hilary noticed a man quietly sitting at a tram stop near her home. He was alone, looking lost, and hiding garbage bags of belongings in nearby bushes. That man was Daniel—homeless for 18 years, recently back in Melbourne after a stint in Tasmania where he had some support. But since returning, Daniel had been robbed of everything and left with nothing.

Moved by his situation, Hilary brought him a bag of snacks and drinks and took the time to listen. She learned that Daniel suffers from diabetes, two hernias, and three tumors—but because he has no fixed address, accessing medical care has been nearly impossible.

Hilary was struck by what Daniel told her:

“He said he asked God yesterday for help, he just asked to be met halfway— and I walked over with the bag 5 minutes later.”

That moment stayed with her.

So, Hilary decided to do more than just offer a meal. She launched a GoFundMe to help Daniel find temporary housing, get essential supplies, and take the first steps toward stability. Within days, the response was overwhelming. The campaign raised over $31,000 AUD, with donations pouring in from people moved by his story.

And the difference has been profound.

Daniel shows off his new glasses / @HilaryHolmesMakeup

Daniel now has new glasses after years of struggling to read menus and forms. He’s even earned the nickname “Hollywood” at the local church he attends regularly—thanks to his sharp new look and renewed sense of self-worth.

“Do you actually know you have changed my life?” Daniel told Hilary. “No, Hilary, you and your friends really have.”

Now, Daniel dreams of finding a van or wagon he can call home—a permanent place to rest. The rest of the funds will help with clothing, medical tests, and day-to-day survival.

Hilary summed it up best when she wrote this: “The power of us, the power of love.”