UC Berkeley grad student about to complete his Ph.D. had a powerful revelation—he quit school to serve the homeless

The man shared that he didn't think much about the homeless before one decision changed his perspective.

PUBLISHED 21 HOURS AGO

(L) The man talking to an interviewer. (R) The man checks on a homeless person. Cover Image Source: YouTube | CBS Mornings

People might find the purpose of their life on an unconventional path at times. A man who was a grad student at UC Berkeley and was about to do his PhD experienced just that. The Bay Area man, Vincent Pannizzo, was studying ancient history and hadn't cared much about the homeless or any other people in his life. But all of a sudden, he read the Bible and realized something important that changed the way he looked at things, per CBS Mornings.

A person checking on an old homeless man. Representative Image Source: Getty Images | FG Trade

"I was a graduate student at UC Berkeley and studying ancient history. I really didn't care much for the homeless," Pannizzo shared. "I started reading the Bible to get some information and I started to read the words of Jesus and I was really surprised at what I found in there." He added, "Particularly about caring for people, which I never really did before." The man decided to drop out of his PhD and started caring for homeless people instead. He made it his mission to get food and necessities to homeless people who were disabled or sick and couldn't pick up the donated necessities themselves. "God does love them and care for them. I want to bring the love of Christ to them."

People loading up a truck with food to donate the items. Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Fat Camera

Pannizzo started a nonprofit, "Mission for the Homeless," in 2012 and started delivering the groceries to the homeless people after receiving them from the Emeryville Citizens' Assistance Program. The volunteer director of the program, Bobby Miller, explained that Pannizzo had worked to find people in the area who needed his service. "At the end of the day, he has some solace in knowing that he reached some of those people who probably wouldn't have had anything to eat today," Miller explained. Pannizzo drives on the route from Fremont to Elserto every day and helps over a hundred homeless people each day. "I have to make sure that they are okay. I have to see if they have any infections. Do they need to go to the hospital? Do they need to be taken off the streets immediately?"

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The man ensures that the people know that he cares about them. "If he doesn't see us, he'll drive around and look for us. Somebody's paying attention to you, right? That matters," a woman, Gwen, revealed. The man's non-profit also owns several houses that he has used to house people he has taken off the streets. "He saved me. One night, I was in the rain. I was very depressed. He turned my life around, he made me happy," a man, Eric, explained. Eric was also quite surprised that Pannizzo had chosen to stay in a tent outside the house so the others could sleep inside. "Put himself out to put me in. That's crazy." Pannizzo shared that it was because they had limited space.

Pannizzo is hoping to get private and corporate donations to house more homeless people and more information for the same can be found on his website. People appreciated the man's kindness in the comments section of the video. @soniaadams1828 wrote, "I'm in awe of Mr. Pannizzo's empathy and generosity to serve the homeless. Doing the Lord's work comes with personal sacrifice and commitment. I hope that others view this video and contribute to Mr. Pannizzo's nonprofit organization." @DonWalkerws commented, "This is who I want my tax dollars to go to! God Bless this Man and his calling." @VitaminDeeeee remarked, "He should be in charge of all the homeless programs in California."