She Lived on the Street, But She Didn’t Ask for Money
Wanda Ritter spent 16 years living on the streets, carrying a suitcase filled with documents and checks that she never cashed. She claimed the government owed her $100,000, but no one believed her, thinking she was mentally ill.
One day, Julie Turner, a 56-year-old social worker, took notice of Wanda’s plight. Curious, she decided to look at the papers Wanda had been carrying. To her surprise, Wanda was telling the truth. Wanda had been receiving checks between $300 and $900 each month but had never cashed them, fearing complications.Julie was determined to help Wanda, so together they worked through the bureaucracy and corrected the oversight. Wanda eventually received her first proper paycheck from Social Security: $1,644. This was the beginning of a new chapter in her life.This story serves as a reminder that while many may ignore those in need, there are always people like Julie, willing to listen and lend a helping hand. There’s still hope in humanity, and sometimes, one kind act can change a life forever.
