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A former Indiana football star had fallen on hard times. A chance encounter with a fellow Hoosier gave him a new lease on life.
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Jasper Steinmetz, an Indiana University graduate, met Sampson James, a homeless man in Austin, Texas, who was once a promising football player at Indiana University and Purdue before injuries and bipolar disorder derailed his career.
- James, who had been homeless for eight months and lost nearly everything except his red school backpack, found a connection with Steinmetz through their shared Hoosier background.
- Motivated by their bond, Steinmetz launched an online fundraiser that raised $17,000 to help James secure housing and essentials for a fresh start.
- With support from donors and Steinmetz's assistance, James now has an apartment and a new opportunity to rebuild his life, reflecting the power of empathy and community support.
