Homeless Man Who Was Shoeless and Given Boots - Not Actually Homeless, But Proud Vet Struggling
The so-called homeless man who was shoeless and received boots from a New York police officer, is apparently not homeless, according to new reports out today.
The story of the good samaritan NYPD officer who bought a shoeless homeless man, sitting in the streets, a pair of expensive shoes to help him out, has captured the nation's heart. However, it has now been reported that Jeffrey Hillman, the recipient of a pair of boots, has his own apartment in the Bronx, according to the New York Daily News.
According to that publication the 54 year old lived in transitional housing sites called “Safe Havens,” for three years from 2009. However, he was then fortunate to secure an apartment through a Department of Veterans Affairs program that helps homeless veterans.
However, the proud veteran, Mr Hillman, has a history of turning down services there to help him, and would prefer to try and make his way in life himself.
New York City Police Officer Larry DePrimo has been praised for his compassion at seeing Hillman sitting in the freezing cold with no shoes, before buying him $100 pair of comfy boots to help him out. The act of kindness was captured by tourists watching on and posted online, immediately going viral as people praised the officer as an example of how man should have compassion on one another.
According to the New York Times, the veteran has said that he hidden away the shoes the NYPD officer gave him because they are so nice and “worth a lot of money.”
Hillman also said that he was very thankful for the handout, but that he wanted a “piece of the pie” from the viral photo that was posted of the incident, saying he had not been asked his permission before it was placed online.
According to other reports, Hillman's family were shocked to see him featured in the viral photo, and were stunned to see him living in such bad state. They have said that they are willing to help him out, if he will accept their help.
“Jeffrey has his own life, and he has chosen that life, but he knows that our hearts and home are always open to him,” Alegra Hall, Hillman’s niece, told the New York Post. “He knows that, he’s well aware of that.”
Another old friend, Rev. John Graf Jr. learned of Hillman's situation and has offered to help, setting up the "Jeffrey Hillman Survivors Fund."
“It’s not fair, but a lot of things in life aren’t fair,” the reverend told the Daily News. “But I’m not going to sit back and just let him be another homeless person.”
