For over a decade, Greg Dunston and his partner, Marie Mckinzie, endured life as part of the homeless community in Oakland. However, fate took an unexpected turn when they found themselves staying in a luxurious property worth nearly $4 million in the exclusive Piedmont neighborhood of the Bay Area. Their lives changed when Terry McGrath, a millionaire real estate developer and investor, read about their plight in the San Francisco Chronicle and generously invited them to stay with him in his home in 2019.
When questioned by journalist Otis R. Taylor Jr. about his decision to offer shelter to people off the streets, McGrath explained that it was a way for him to reconnect with his own humble roots from childhood. He felt a personal responsibility to address the injustices he saw around him and believed that society should view those living on the streets as fellow human beings deserving of compassion and respect. For him, the issue of homelessness was a profound reflection of society’s values, and he hoped others would recognize the significance of treating every individual with dignity.
Adjusting to their new home, Greg and Marie faced scrutiny from some neighbors, with a few even calling the police due to their unawareness of the situation. Nevertheless, despite the hardships they had endured throughout their lives, the couple remained positive and displayed a vibrant spirit. Journalist Otis R. Taylor Jr. highlighted their enduring love for each other and their resilience, even in the face of challenging circumstances.
Touched by their story and recognizing their humanity, Terry McGrath, the founder of McGrath Properties, met with the couple and the journalist in a cafe. He was deeply moved by their plight and immediately made the decision to offer them a place to stay without any hesitation, judgment, or vetting process. For him, it was a matter of recognizing their basic needs for shelter and warmth as fellow human beings.
This heartwarming tale serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact individual acts of kindness can have on the lives of others. It also sheds light on the importance of viewing homelessness as a societal issue that requires empathy, understanding, and proactive efforts to provide support and solutions.
