KELLER - What started as a young boy's wish to find his homeless father has turned into a mission that has helped thousands of people over the past few years.
WFAA has highlighted the efforts of Phillip Pruitt as he and his mother have given out blankets to families in need, among other charitable projects.
The mother and son have changed lives through their kindness and dedication. Now, a Keller woman has become the latest recipient of their generosity.
Walking in the Bear Creek Park in Keller, hundreds have passed Laurie Hamilton, some wondering why she sat on a bench all day, every day for two months.
"I didn't know anybody, but I wasn't totally alone," she said. "There were people going by."
At night, Hamilton, who is mentally ill, would sleep in a nearby office of a friend. Sitting out alone, even in freezing weather, seemed a reasonable life.
"It was a place to land, kind of peaceful there," she said.
She might still be homeless if it wasn't for Cyndi Bunch.
"What broke my heart instantly is she was wrapped in trash bags to keep warm," she said.
Several years ago, Bunch's husband disappeared into schizophrenia and ended up in prison. That led Bunch and her son Phillip to start "Phillip's Wish," a charity for homeless people.
After WFAA reported on her efforts in November, someone asked her to check on the woman in the park.
"It's really hard for people to get help," Bunch said. "I try to make it a little easier."
Working with a church called The Upper Room and a mobile home park called the Golden Triangle Estates, volunteers rehabbed a broken down trailer and Hamilton got the keys this week.
"Oh wow," she said after setting eyes on her new home.
Her disability check will cover most of the reduced rent. Phillip's Wish and the church will help, too. Hamilton said she sees it all as a sign from God.
"We just all need each other," she said. "We just all do."
