Homeless, Single Dad Embraced by Community After Being Shamed For Sleeping in McDonalds

Fayette County, GA — A woman took a picture of a man sleeping at a McDonald’s and posted it on Facebook with a negative rant, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise after the community flooded the man with donations and support. The man, 21-year old Simon Child, is actually a homeless father who was resting in between his shifts at the fast-food restaurant.

Simon said he was struggling to support his son especially after the recent death of his mother. When he first heard about the photo, he said he was hurt. But after a local news station featured his side of the story, it unexpectedly turned his life around.

When he went to work on the following day, he was shocked to see dozens of diapers for his son, clothes, and other supplies donated by people. Chefs Xavier and Theo Thomas, owners of a new local restaurant in the area, offered to lend him a car for his job interviews. A barber gave him a free haircut to help him be more confident for his job interviews.

Moreover, some paid for a hotel room where he and his son could stay at until they find permanent housing. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise money for his child. In about 24 hours, it has raised over $4,000.

“I didn’t think the community would even care enough to do that, but they care,” Simon told WSB-TV.

Meanwhile, Simon said he does not harbor any ill feelings toward the woman who posted his photo. The woman said it was not her intention to shame any person in particular when she posted it on a private Facebook group.

“I’m not homeless, not now, thanks to her,” Simon said.