Student Discovers 77-Year-Old Substitute Teacher In California Is Living In His Car

substitute teach in california living in car

When Steven Nasa noticed his former substitute teacher in California spending a considerable amount of time in his 1997 Ford Thunderbird LX, he suspected the man had fallen on hard times. Steven's instincts were correct, and the teacher was living in the car to make ends meet.

Steven remembered how Jose once devoted his time to making sure Steven could have an education. He became determined to help his former teacher in his time of need.

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So, the former student decided to repay the favor and started a fundraising campaign.

Former Student Raises Thousands For Substitute Teacher

Jose Villarruel, a devoted substitute teacher for the Fontana Unified School District in San Bernardino, California, had no choice but to live out of his 1997 coupe for a number of years to make ends meet.

To make matters worse, California schools closed their doors following the Covid-19 pandemic. This left Jose with little means for making money.

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“I couldn’t possibly support my family and extended family in Mexico and rent an apartment here at the same time with the income that I can have,” Jose told reporters.

Thankfully for Jose, his sacrifices did not go unnoticed when Good Samaritan and former student, Steven Nasa, realized Jose was living out of his car.

Steven took to the crowdfunding site, GoFundMe, where he started an online campaign to raise money for his former teacher. By the end of the campaign, Steven had more than $27,000 in charitable donations. He presented the gift that to Jose on his 77th birthday.

“I’m still trying to digest the entire experience,” the grateful teacher told reporters. “It’s extraordinary, totally unexpected.”

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“One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed” Proverbs 19:17

WATCH: Students Rally To Help Substitute Teacher In California

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h/t: People

Featured Image: Youtube/CBS Los Angeles