SAN ANTONIO — A San Antonio business owner is offering a fresh start to people who typically aren't given a second chance. Chad Huff owns Chad's Landscaping and employs people who live on the streets.
Huff gave Walter Madden a fighting chance. Now, Madden has been able to put down roots of his own.
"I have always had it rough," Madden said.
For nearly 11 years of his life, Madden didn't have a place to call home.
"I started out downtown living in the streets," he said.
However, 20 years ago his life would bloom into something much more. It started with Huff, which is now his boss. Madden recalled their first time meeting.
"The look on his face was maybe I will last a day," Madden said.
He has lasted more than two decades. During that time, Huff was growing his landscaping business and met Madden and his friend who were both living in a field. Huff decided to hire them and give them a chance.
"I always feel people fall down and stumble, and we all need a helping hand at some point," Huff said.
Huff described how much Madden has meant to him.
"Always there, he said. "The guy that I needed to stick by my side to get this business going. “And this one came back ten fold to help me start this business," he said. "And I will forever be grateful."
At 76-years young, Madden is still going strong.
"Very thankful," Madden said. "He helped us get a place to stay with running water. All four walls in a roof. I have been going since."
Madden now has his own apartment and vehicle to get around. He said the feeling on having things in life, like a roof over his head, is difficult to describe.
"There is no word for it," he said. "It is something I feel inside of me. When I got something good I take care of it."
Where the grass grows so does opportunity, and you can say that is what’s happening with Chad's Landscaping.
"Don't judge a book by its cover," Huff said. "Realize you can learn something from everybody. Helping one another is what this world needs right now."
Huff said he just recently employed another man who didn't have a home. He said they raised money to get him a bike and boots for work. He said he hopes to have another success story like Walter Madden.