Woman paid homeless man $15 to watch her car. Her heart sank when she saw the cars damaged — all but one

Some people show up for you in ways you do not expect, and it is often the kindness of strangers that leaves the strongest impression. When someone you barely know decides to help you without being asked, it can stay with you far longer than you realise. For one woman in Austin, that person was a homeless man she used to pay $15 to watch her car while she went out. She shared the story on her X (formerly Twitter) account, 'smooth brained brat' (@c0wbitch), and what happened one night made her realize just how much he had her back.

The user wrote, "Thinking about the homeless man in Austin who I used to pay $15 to watch my car while I went out, and one night, I came back and all the cars around mine were broken into except mine. He was sitting on my hood and said, 'I ain’t let 'em touch this one, Miss Kenzie!!!'" It wasn’t just that night either. In the comments, she shared more about how he looked out for her. "He also used to take other people's parking vouchers and give them to me. Miss him," she wrote. "He was a king. Haven’t seen him in a year or two. Hoping he got off the streets."

Stories like this stand out even more when you consider how common car theft has become across Texas. In an analysis done by The MarketWatch Guides, over one million vehicles were stolen last year, marking a record high and continuing a sharp rise in thefts since 2019. Texas was the second among all states for the highest number of vehicles stolen over the past year. The post hit a nerve online, with many chiming in with their own memories of people who made an unexpected difference.

@alli_s0n_ wrote, "Omg! I knew a man like this! He’d help me back in or squeeze into tight spots, and one time, I didn’t have cash, so I gave him a White Claw & he yelled, 'DON'T NOBODY F*** WITH THIS CAR!!!' Not all heroes wear capes." @WalkerWitch94 shared, "One time I was in a drive-through and a homeless man told me I had a flat tire. I parked to check it out and get my spare on. He stopped panhandling, called his friends over, and they all helped me get my spare on. I didn't have any cash, but I had a case of beer and a tent." @lmfaomartina said, "OMG! Tell me why I do the same thing here in Austin! I always park under the bridge under the I-35 near Mala Vida!!! He even stopped a crack addict lady from attacking me once. I always just give him some cash if I’m down there and see him walking."

@undercovernerd5 recalled, "You are one of the good ones. I knew a man called Everett who sold Street Wise outside my local Walgreens. He stood over 6 feet tall but was gentle. He walked me home one night when a man was following me. I gave him money even when I had little myself. He died of cancer. I miss him." Others appreciated such a kind gesture from the man. @RubiThedog added, "Just shows you that people need purpose. Giving that man a purpose that he could take pride in is no small thing."