Katarian “KT” Andrews, a former homeless man turned restaurant manager, has received a heartwarming surprise: his energy bills will be covered for an entire year, providing significant relief for him and his family.
In a touching gesture of support, Inertia Resources in Boston announced they would pay for Andrews’ energy expenses for the next 12 months. This act is the latest in a series of life-changing interventions Andrews has received, following years of hardship.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, February 25, at Sal’s Pizza on Tremont Street, the same pizza shop where Andrews once slept outside when he was homeless. “Right now, I kind of live paycheck to paycheck, so this will really help me out a lot in terms of saving money,” said Andrews, who is a father of four, speaking to reporters at the restaurant.
Overcome with emotion, Andrews expressed his gratitude. “I’m grateful. I can’t really put it into words right now how I feel. I’m very emotional about it. On the way here today, I cried a lot because I never thought anybody would honor me in this way,” he said. “It means a lot that people actually care about me because for a long time I thought nobody cared about me in this world.”
Andrews’ life story is one marked by hardship and perseverance. Born in 1988 in Boston to parents struggling with addiction, Andrews often went to bed hungry and faced neglect. At the age of 13, his mother kicked him out, and he spent years living on the streets. By 28, he had become a father and had a run-in with the law that resulted in a 90-day prison sentence for drug-related offenses. This experience served as a turning point in his life.
Determined to change, Andrews earned his GED and enrolled in food service training programs. With support from the nonprofit St. Francis House and its Moving Ahead Program (MAP), he worked toward reintegrating into the workforce. Last April, Andrews secured a position as a store manager at Sal’s Pizza, a job he credits with transforming his life.
“The St. Francis House, they’ve been very instrumental, and I’m just happy,” said Andrews. “I hope I can be an inspiration to others who want to change their life and become great because we can all do it. We just have to have the desire to succeed.”
Andrews also received housing assistance from the Lupoli family, owners of several Sal’s Pizza locations, who waived his initial housing fees for a loft apartment in Lawrence. He views them as his extended family, further underscoring the support that has helped him turn his life around.
“These people are definitely my family. They take care of me in ways that I can’t express right now,” said Andrews. “I just want to thank the Lupoli family and St. Francis House for giving me an opportunity and taking a chance on me when everybody counted me out.”
In addition to covering Andrews’ energy bills, Inertia Resources’ gesture is part of a broader effort to support the community. The Lupoli family has also pledged to match up to $10,000 in donations to St. Francis House, ensuring that the organization can continue to help others achieve success like Andrews.
Andrews’ journey from homelessness to restaurant manager serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that community support and second chances can have on an individual’s life.
Related topic:
- Asian Restaurant Brings Malatang Trend to Dallas
- Caprinos Pizza Opens New Branch in Wymondham
- Oakville Pizza Closes After Over Two Decades of Service
