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This Is the Surprise Story of a Calif. Lawyer Giving His House to a Homeless Family for One Year

Jan. 4, 2013 11:48am Billy Hallowell

Tony Tolbert Is Giving His Home to a Homeless Family in Need

California-based lawyer Tony Tolbert is loaning his home to a homeless family in need (Photo Credit: CBS News)

A California-based lawyer is capturing headlines after giving his fully-furnished home to an impoverished family for one full year. Tony Tolbert, 51, is loaning the home, rent-free, to woman and her children — individuals in grave need whom he had never even met.

After reaching out to the Alexandria House, a shelter for homeless women and children, he found Felicia Dukes. The mother of four has been sharing a single room at the shelter with three of her young children; her older son is not considered a “child” and, thus, was not permitted to stay at Alexandria House.

As CBS News notes, the family was homeless, broke and separated — that is, until Tolbert came along. The attorney described learning important lessons about helping others from his father, Jimmy, who now has Alzheimer’s Disease.

“Kindness creates kindness. Generosity creates generosity. Love creates love,” he told CBS News. “And I think if we can share some of that and have more stories about people doing nice things for other people, and fewer stories about people doing horrible things to other people, that’s a better world.”

To make good on his offer, Tolbert moved back home with his parents — a sacrificial action worth noting. The Harvard-educated lawyer clearly believes that paying-it-forward is the best way to spawn positivity and he’s very literally putting his words to action.

“You don’t have to be Bill Gates or Warren Buffet or Oprah,” Tolbert added. “We can do it wherever we are, with whatever we have, and for me, I have a home that I can make available.”

As for Dukes, she is dumbfounded by the kind gesture — one that led to obvious emotion when she spoke to CBS News about it.

“My heart just fills up and stuff, um….I’m just really happy,” she tearfully proclaimed.

Watch the inspirational story, below:

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Comments (63)

Vlittle40
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 8:45pm
I just hope that family does not try to screw this guy. Nice guys usually finish last.

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YallComeBack
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 8:02pm
I’m sorry, but I can’t help but think about the future.

This is very nice NOW. It will obviously be worth a lot of money to all involved.

But what happens a year from now when the lady has no money and no place to go. Won’t this guy be portrayed as cruel, heartless, unfeeling and uncaring SOB for “kicking them out into the cold- right around Christmas!!!!!!!!!!”

Can’t anyone see this coming?

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- 13thCousinOfTheAntiChrist
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 9:17pm
  Which is why he should make sure that she sets aside money for the purpose of getting her own place. Set it up in the “lease” or whatever.
  
  Report this comment
toto
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 6:49pm
Please Blaze, followup on this one. Sincerely hope it’s just what this family needs to get on their feet and he will be happy with the results in a years time. However it is far more likely that they will not be respectful of his home, and may be in taters when it is returned to him, IF they actually vacate and leave on schedule, with their lives repaired. Wish it was not necessary to be so cynical, but the odds are not good for this to turn out well.

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Protech64
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 3:27pm
Just wait till the end of the tear and they refuse to leave and force you to spend another year evicting them. He will eventually get the house back and it will be trashed and in need of thousands in repair.

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- Samahon
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 4:13pm
  He is a lawyer…I am sure he knows the legal issues involved here, but I think his trust in God to do the right thing is stronger in his heart than any of his material possessions. Objects can be replaced. But the feeling of knowing he did the right thing is a spiritual high he will never forget. I know because I have done it a couple times and it is a feeling you never forget. Try it sometimes. You will be glad you did. :)
  
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- THX-1138
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 5:06pm
  @Samahon
  
  Absolutely right. He said it himself, “Kindness creates kindness. Generosity creates generosity. Love creates love.”
  
  The Government would rather we all rely on them than each other. That’s where we went wrong in the first place…
  
  Report this comment
- Keatonc33
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 6:11pm
  why so pessimistic?
  
  Report this comment
- PATTY HENRY
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 6:11pm
  The difference between a Patriot doing an act like this and some lousy, crooked, politically indebted mandate telling people what to do is immeasurable. When and if our (we own it still) Gobment decides to get the hell out of OUR LIVES, to do what they are supposed to do, all of us will see a much better America. Kudos to this man for doing this! It is probably just the break this family needs. I’ll be interested (BLAZE) to see a story at the end of a year to see how it worked out.
  
  Report this comment
- sybilll
  Posted on January 5, 2013 at 10:57pm
  @KeatonC33, don’t watch the news much, eh?
  
  Report this comment
GLW513
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 3:13pm
Not saying that it will happen in this case! When my father died he left me his house in Florida. I was in the military at the time and decided to provide the house for veterans down on their luck…I hired a management company to oversee everything…(so I am paying a management company to oversee my house that I would provide for free to homeless veterans).

Remember, I stated that I was in the military….within a six month period of time I was informed by the management company of violations that the tenents had committed and I was facing a hefty fine! My question was “Why aren’t you handling this!” They informed me that they do not get involved in legal matters with the local government”

Now, I’m stationed in a location that does not allow me to drive, so in that six month period my wife and I flew down three times to try and settle the matter (guess what we were not allow to deduct it on our income tax settlement) Don’t you just love our Governemnt!

So, in the end I was left with a house that was condemed and would be eventually torn down. I was able to sell the lot, but, my wife and I intended to live there once I retired.

Long story….

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- THX-1138
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 5:20pm
  Short story; you did the right thing, they did the wrong thing.
  
  I don’t know if you’re familliar with the laws of Karma but believe me, the entire universe is a slightly better place because of what you tried to do for those people. That good deed can never be erased and it may well inspire others. You are to be commended, sir.
  
  Report this comment
- glckgrl
  Posted on January 5, 2013 at 10:06am
  Sir, I think it is a shame that you were so taken advantage of. I hope you will be blessed tenfold for your wonderful service, both as a veteran and as a house donor. This world needs more people like you. I also think our Heavenly Father is aware of your loving heart and that your kind gesture makes a difference to Him; you also inspire me to be more generous. Thank you for sharing your story.
  
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mcsledge
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 1:42pm
May God bless all who take it upon themselves to carry another’s burdens.

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jackact
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 1:41pm
Mmmm….and homelessness is a cottage industry in California.

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Angeltoo
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 1:30pm
Suggested headline for January 4, 2014: No Good Deed Goes Unpunished.

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- Andybinga1
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 2:45pm
  I think you have that 100% correct Angelt00. Course we will never hear about the damage they did.
  
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pduffy
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 1:30pm
How will they feel when he throws them out after the year is expired? Will he cut them off and throw them back into the streets if they don’t get on their own feet? This is the problem with liberalism, as it never addresses the reason for the homelessness in the first place. Since they didn’t have to work for that home, will they feel ‘entitled’ to stay?

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- omacorky
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 6:12pm
  Need more info. Hope he is also doing ALL that’s needed to change her life. Helping her find a job, setting a budget, & making her a responsible person. Just giving her a place solves nothing but gives her a bigger “shelter” to live in. Would love a followup on this story as time goes on.
  
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RVing-Patriot
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 1:19pm
Great story. He is not the only person providing their home to those in need. In June 2011, I did the very same thing with my only house in California. I’m not a lawyer, I’m not even rich. But it’s a wonderful feeling to help in this way. It was something I desired in my heart to do since I was a young man. Until now, I’ve never talked about it much. It’s no big deal.

Thank you Tony for doing the right thing.

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Lyz
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 12:47pm
Great story. He is a true blessing. I would like a follow up on this story in the future. Thanks.

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- NinjaJuice
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 1:12pm
  Yes hopefully those are the respectable family that wont trash his place in less than 6 months. Also another note is that once you let them move in, I think by law you are now allowed to kick them out unless court order.
  
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- MDECKER
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 3:15pm
  I remember a story about a NYPD cop giving shoes to a homeless man. It’ll be interesting to see what these people do to this guy’s house. I hope his insurance payments are up to date.
  
  Report this comment
Dismayed Veteran
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 12:41pm
He is a kind hearted man and we should praise him. He has chosen a difficult path. Taking care of a parent with dementia is soul searing. If you believe that good works are favored by G-d, then this man has recieved several blessings.

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- woodyee
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 1:14pm
  It’s God – G-O-D.
  
  I’m dismayed…
  
  Report this comment
- NinjaJuice
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 1:20pm
  It is really sad when you can’t even say “God”
  
  Report this comment
- patriotj
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 1:54pm
  @woodyee and @ninjajuice — Many religious Jews (and Noahides) use G-d instead of God out of a sign of respect for the “name” of God. This prevents the intentional or unintentional erasure or desecration of God.
  
  Maybe you ought to ask a question about why the spelling of “G-d” was used instead of just making assumptions about a person.
  
  Report this comment
- woodyee
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 2:14pm
  Good point PatriotJ, and thank you.
  @Dismayed Vet, why do YOU use G-d instead of God?
  
  Report this comment
- fmbmitgt
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 2:48pm
  DMV: It’s so sad when you can’t even spell the word… it’s, “received”.
  
  Report this comment
woodyee
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 12:39pm
Someone’s got to say it –

One year from now, she’ll be suing this lawyer for support. After all, she got used to living in a comfortable home and now he’s going to kick them out on the street? Think the American communist Lawyers Union won’t jump on that?

What politician (in California) could resist coming to her “aid”? If anything, Moonbeam will propose a special tax to purchase the same house FOR her, and this ship of fools will vote for it.

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- NinjaJuice
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 1:19pm
  Oh I see this too… getting screwed with alimony. hahaha but fingers cross that it won’t happen that way.
  
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Tri-ox
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 12:37pm
This is a good story – but, I would be interested to know if Tolbert is getting some sort of state or federal tax credit or grant money for doing this.

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- Keatonc33
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 6:13pm
  why would that interest you?
  
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whatthecrazy
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 12:22pm
Great story,what else is there to say.However i too would like a follow up on this story to see if this kind act was appreciated.

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afishfarted
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 12:13pm
good man. nuf said

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thegreatcarnac
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 12:09pm
A Lawyer!? Giving up something?? Something is up!

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- Timmy_NorthWest
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 12:43pm
  a lawyer and maybe even a conservative. don’t think the libs would do that.
  
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- Keatonc33
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 6:14pm
  timmy northwest…. conservative?
  
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IMCHRISTIAN
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 12:04pm
What a great loving thing to do. God Bless you and your family.

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Metallicat
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 12:04pm
yeah,you can do this whereever you are with whatever you have,but it helps if you have the money to live elsewhere,doesnt it? especially if your career involves being a leech on society to begin with.

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Zeus is THE Lord
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 12:00pm
But he’s black, Glenn! And from California! Are you sure you approved the printing of this story?

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- Fubared
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 12:37pm
  Is this jihad jerk in zeus’ clothing? Sicko. Most racists are securely ensconced on the left.
  
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- Zeus is THE Lord
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 1:12pm
  Fubared, my guess is you know very little about much.
  
  By the way, I’m not a liberal. I know that shocks and disappoints your ilk to realize that it’s not just the left who has contempt for The Baggage…
  
  Report this comment
- Fubared
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 2:24pm
  Guess is akin to assume. Zeus is dead, passed over, as it were. Next.
  
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woodyee
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 11:58am
Billy Hallowell, PLEASE mark this date down on your calendar.

I want to read the new headline one year from now…

Yep. My thoughts exactly…

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Top_Contributor
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 11:58am
Oh but I thought it was against Tea Party regulations to praise a Californian!

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- mrunner
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 12:17pm
  Individual good, not collective good. We look to the individual, not the state. People who help people are good, regardless of their political leanings and state of residence. People who make the government the purveyor of “good” are either evil (Jackson, Shaprton, Frank) or ignorant- but rarely are they genuinely compassionate. Typical liberal- paint everyone with tainted view. In educated circles we call that prejudice.
  
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- Top_Contributor
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 12:33pm
  Painting everyone with tainted view is liberal-only, eh? Oh the irony.
  
  Report this comment
sparkyrules
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 11:56am
Thanks for the story,Blaze reporters.You are living up to Glens ideals and so is Tony Tolbert it seems,as seen in his terrific comments.Hope it all works out well for all involved in this story.

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- sparkyrules
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 12:03pm
  Also,I would like to see Glenn invite this man Tony Tolbert to appear on the Blaze TV.
  
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- THX-1138
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 5:12pm
  And the people he let use his house!
  
  Report this comment
kickagrandma
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 11:53am
Good for him.

What a shinning example for our president!

I think our president should follow this example, and move back home (to Kenya) and let WE (homeless since he’s “redistributed our wealth) THE PEOPLE move into OUR HOUSE at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

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- woodyee
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 11:59am
  Kick him again, Grandma! Yassuh!
  
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- Zeus is THE Lord
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 12:01pm
  I offer my condolences for the passing of your brain matter…
  
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- Wilma
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 12:06pm
  What a shining example for all of us.
  
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mrunner
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 11:52am
People taking care of people, not “government” taking care of people. Heartwarming story. His actions, regardless of what his political leanings maybe, reflect compassionate conservatism. I am sure he chose the family wisely- one that is looking for a hand up, not a hand out.

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- Walkabout
  Posted on January 4, 2013 at 1:26pm
  This is not government. This a point of light. George H.W. Bush talked of a 1,000 points of light & the left mocked him.
  
  Obviously it can work. It is working for 5 people.
  
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