Man renovates Detroit's vacant homes for the needy

DETROIT (WJBK) - He's been quietly helping the homeless in Detroit for nearly a decade, and now one man with a big heart is moving beyond meals to provide homes for people in need.

His name is Jerald Boykin of  We Are One Community Unit.

"There are a lot of people out here who are homeless and desperate to the point  where you have to break into somebody's house and live," he said.

For the past 8 years he's been giving meals to the homeless on Wednesdays. Boykin says he lost his home to tax foreclosure in 2014, adding another layer of love and understanding.

"I built up a compassion that was real," he said.

At Warren and Outer Drive. he's working on a "coffee shop" for the homeless called I'm A Blessing where then can get a free cup of coffee, and even take a shower.