At a Glance
- Mirza Hussain, manager at Evan’s Foodmart, rescued a homeless woman from the cold.
- The incident occurred during a severe winter storm that left many without shelter.
- Fort Worth provides several overnight emergency shelters for those in need.
Why it matters: The story shows how a single act of kindness can protect vulnerable people during harsh weather.
On a frigid Saturday morning in Fort Worth, Mirza Hussain, the manager of Evan’s Foodmart, stepped in when a homeless woman named Bobby was exposed to freezing temperatures outside the store. Hussain carried her inside, called police and medics, and she was taken to a hospital. The event highlights the challenges faced by the homeless during winter storms and the importance of community support.
The Rescue
The incident began when a passer-by alerted Hussain that a woman was “across the street frozen.”
Hussain, who has worked at the store for five years, immediately went outside. He said, “My hands were shivering [when I went outside to get her], that just instantly got to me, and I was like, what is she going through?”
Security footage captured Hussain lifting Bobby and bringing her into the warm interior of the food mart. He then called Fort Worth police.
Police and medics arrived shortly after and transported Bobby to a local hospital. She later expressed gratitude, saying, “Oh, you saved my life!”
About Mirza Hussain
Hussain is known to many customers and often refers to himself as “Faris.” He described the woman’s situation as a direct result of the storm.
“She had nowhere to go,” Hussain told News Of Austin. “The winter storm moved in, and she spent the night outside.”
He also noted that the area has a significant homeless population. “If you drive around this block alone, you’ll see about 10-15 people-maybe just outside, blankets covered and everything because they don’t have a place to go,” he said.
Homelessness in Fort Worth
Fort Worth’s winter storms can leave many residents exposed to harsh elements. The city has a network of shelters to provide temporary refuge.
The following shelters offer overnight accommodations:
| Shelter | Address |
|---|---|
| Union Gospel Mission | 1321 E. Lancaster Ave |
| Presbyterian Night Shelter | 2400 Cypress St |
| Salvation Army Mabee Center | 1855 E. Lancaster Ave |
Hussain emphasized that everyone on the streets has a backstory. “Just be kind to everybody,” he said.
Community Response
The rescue prompted discussion among local businesses about how to support the homeless during extreme weather.
Many store managers reported similar encounters. One neighbor store owner noted that they had also seen people seeking shelter in parking lots.
Local volunteers are encouraged to direct those in need to the shelters listed above. The city’s emergency services are available 24/7 to assist.
Takeaways
- Acts of compassion can have immediate life-saving effects.
- Winter storms increase the vulnerability of homeless populations.
- Fort Worth’s shelters provide essential resources, but community vigilance is also crucial.
By sharing stories like Hussain’s, the community can stay informed and ready to help those in need during future storms.
Final Thoughts
The story of Mirza Hussain and Bobby reminds us that kindness is a powerful tool in times of crisis. Whether it’s a manager stepping in or a passer-by offering a blanket, small actions can create a ripple of hope for those facing extreme weather and homelessness.
