When we encounter someone in need, we typically face two choices: we can either mumble something unclear and walk away, or we can offer our help. It often boils down to just these two options.

We’re generally more inclined to assist people we know—family and close friends. However, when we meet strangers, especially homeless individuals, we tend to be less willing to help.

There may be several reasons for this: fear, assuming someone else will step in, doubts about whether they truly need assistance, or concerns that any money we give will be spent on alcohol or drugs. Regardless of the reason, homeless people are among the most vulnerable in our society and often desperately need a helping hand.

A young man named Matthew Resendez, who worked at a Burger King, seemed to fully understand this.

In 2018, while working one evening, Matthew encountered a homeless man who came into the restaurant. While it wasn’t unusual for Matthew to serve homeless customers, this particular man asked an unexpected question.

The disheveled man walked up to the counter and asked, “What can I get for 50 cents?”

Matthew could have given him the blunt answer: “Nothing,” since 50 cents wouldn’t buy even the smallest item on the menu. But instead of taking the easy route, Matthew chose a different path.

He selected the most filling meal on the menu and paid for it himself.

This simple act of kindness might have ended there, but a fellow diner witnessed the exchange and decided to pay it forward. He left Matthew a generous tip of $100!