Hiltz, an in home care giver who previously worked for VON before starting his own business, had many clients that lived in the Brooklawn apartments.
“That was the main building I worked at for about three years, I got to know my clients and the others in the building very closely,” he said.
Hiltz says he still visits his clients in the building to visit and to offer haircuts to those that aren’t able to leave the building for appointments easily.
He says he visited the building on Thursday, five days after the storm, and it was still without power. Many residents have mobility issues or diabetes and they weren’t able to leave the building or eat properly.
“It really broke my heart so I leaped into action. I knew something had to be done.”
He spoke with his clients for the day and arranged to finished work early. They also offered to help Hiltz with his mission.
Hiltz bought burgers and hotdogs, brought his own barbeque to Brooklawn and invited residents to enjoy a warm meal.
Tina Clarke, who works for VON, was there to help too. She delivered meals to those on upper floors with mobility issues that were unable to make it downstairs to the barbeque.
“The smiles on their faces, were so touching,” he said. “They were so appreciative. One gentleman told me he hadn’t had a hot meal since Saturday which broke my heart.”
He noted that, as horrible as the storm was, it brought people together.
“There’s always good that comes out of something bad. I don’t think my smile could have gotten any bigger that day.”
