At a Glance
- Faris Hussain rescued a homeless woman in northern Texas during the deadly Winter Storm Fern.
- He carried her into Evans Food Mart on Jan. 22 and kept her warm until first responders arrived.
- The storm killed at least 17 people across the country.
Why it matters: The incident highlights how everyday acts of kindness can save lives amid extreme weather.
A Texas convenience store manager stepped into the cold to rescue a homeless woman who had been stranded outside his shop during the harsh winter conditions that swept the region.
The Incident
On the morning of Jan. 22, a woman known only as Bobbi was found outside Evans Food Mart in northern Texas. CBS affiliate KTVT and ABC affiliate WFAA reported that a customer immediately called the store manager, Faris Hussain, for help.
Hussain rushed outside, and footage from the outlets shows him lifting Bobbi into his arms and carrying her inside the shop. He said, “When I heard her name, it was one of my good customers, so I instantly was like, ‘Hey man, no no no, there’s no way. We gotta go help her right now.'” The footage captured his hands touching her, and he described her body as “frozen solid” and “stiff.”
Inside the store, Hussain warmed her by the stove while the wind howled outside. “The second my hands touched her, it was like frozen solid,” he told WFAA. “Her body was so stiff.”
Bobbi later expressed her gratitude: “I love you, thank you so much,” she told him, according to the outlets.
Response from Authorities
A spokesperson for the Fort Worth Fire Department confirmed that team members responded to a call after 9 a.m. local time. The spokesperson said he did not have information about Bobbi’s current condition.
First responders transported Bobbi to a local hospital once she was inside the store. The store manager continued to care for her until the ambulance arrived.
The Storm
The incident occurred amid Winter Storm Fern, a deadly blizzard that swept across large parts of the United States. The BBC reported that the storm killed at least 17 people late last week and into the weekend.
Bobbi had been outside overnight during the storm, according to KTVT. The harsh conditions left many people exposed and in need of urgent assistance.
Humanizing the Moment
Hussain reflected on the experience afterward: “I don’t really consider myself a hero or nothing, but we just, we do this on a daily for our community,” he told the outlet. “Doing it once in a while, it’s not going to cut it. That’s just, you know, we do it on a daily for our daily customers all the time, every time.”
His words underscore the routine compassion that many service workers extend to those in need.
Community Impact
The story has resonated across Texas, illustrating how a single act of empathy can make a difference in a crisis. Local residents have praised Hussain for his quick action and calm demeanor.
The incident also prompted discussions about how businesses can serve as safe havens during extreme weather events. Many community leaders are calling for more resources to support vulnerable populations during storms.
Key Takeaways
- Immediate action can save lives during severe weather.
- Community members often rely on local businesses for safety.
- Even small gestures, like carrying someone into a warm shop, have lasting impacts.
The rescue of Bobbi by Faris Hussain serves as a reminder that kindness and quick thinking are powerful tools in the face of natural disasters.
Take a Moment
If you’re in a position to help someone during a storm, consider reaching out. A simple act of kindness can change a life.
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