Local 'Angel' Helps Homeless Woman Venturing Through Bolingbrook

Spotting a homeless person roaming the streets of Bolingbrook is about as common as, well, nothing I can think of. It’s quite jarring, actually.

So you can imagine my surprise when I saw a homeless woman pushing her cart down Delaware Drive.

Although impolite, I was compelled to stare. Then, out of my rear view mirror, I saw a truck behind me pull over.

Being naturally inquisitive—some would say nosy—I steered my car to the shoulder in order to get a better view of the exchange. Judging by the driver's body language, it was obvious he wanted to help.

And after speaking briefly, the most amazing thing happened.

The driver pulled out his wallet and handed the disheveled looking woman a wad of cash.

The woman—a tad richer than just a minute before—went on her way, pushing her cart of belongings towards the corner of Lee Lane.

The man, visibly moved, turned and started to walk back to his truck.

His face in full view in my rearview, he stopped and openly wept.

The man’s name is Carlos Villafane.

Another young man, who I hadn’t seen sitting in the passenger seat of the truck, quickly exited the vehicle and threw an arm around the man’s shoulders in comfort.

"It’s all about doing to others what you would like others to do for you," Villafane said. "I’m living by the grace of God with my best friend of 35 years who is my ex-brother-in-law’s twin.

"After my divorce, he and his son took me into their home even though I had nothing. That’s why I had to help that lady. I don’t have much, but what I have is more than she has. I looked in her eyes and my heart was breaking—I could be her."

Villafane, who turned 62 on Sunday, has a long history of helping others.

When he was just 14, while living in his native-Puerto Rico, he routinely helped street beggars by sharing funds he earned from a summer job.

"Anybody that has needed him in all the years I’ve known him … he’ll put himself out there and has never asked for anything in return," says Bob Carter, Villafane’s best friend. "He took care of both his elderly mother and brother until they died. Took care of our nieces when they’ve been down. He’s opened his house to me and my ex-wife when we needed it. He’s trustworthy and he’s one of the best people I have ever known in my life."

Villafane’s most recent benefactor, the one pushing her cart along Delaware Road, was named Joann.

Joann, who didn’t want her last name published, was evasive about her arrival in Bolingbrook. Wary of an interview or photo, Joann said she would be fine while waiting for the next "angel" to cross her path.

Know of another random act of kindness done within village limits? Leave a comment below to share your story!