Client 60: Hussain’s Honda & the Golden Rule
“Having a car means that I can do normal dad things like take my kids to the park without having to call others for a ride.” This was just one of many things that Hussain, our 60th client, shared with us at our last giveaway when we asked him how a car will change his life.
Every parent understands the deep desire to build a safe, stable life for their children. For Hussain, that desire meant leaving everything familiar behind when years ago he, his wife, and their children were forced to flee their home in Syria. After enduring a difficult & uncertain chapter they finally found their way to the United States, seeking a better future.
Yet, starting over with nothing meant that from day one, they were met with challenges. Can you imagine moving in with a cousin’s family and squeezing all eleven of your family members into a tiny three-bedroom apartment for a year?! That’s what Hussain’s family did until they could finally secure a place of their own.
Thankfully, Hussain also had people in his corner. He was nominated to OnRamp DFW by his advocate, Ruba, from American Islamic Diversity INC. who had already been wrapping around the family to help them with food support and basic necessities.
Hussian’s story is one of hope and a strong work ethic. Despite the language barriers & culture shock, Hussain did what he needed to in order to provide for his family. Not only is he is a deeply devoted husband and father to his four young children, but he’s working overnight shifts as a machine operator to help them build stability.
However, a lack of reliable transportation placed an exhausting burden on Hussain's shoulders. With no public transportation options where he lived, managing a commute for an overnight shift meant relying on others for rides OR paying for expensive rideshares just to maintain his employment.
But the most heartbreaking challenge was far more personal. Hussain's youngest child, a one-year-old baby, was born with a heart condition requiring specialized care. Without a car, getting his baby to these critical appointments was a logistical nightmare, sometimes forcing the family to make the devastating choice to cancel necessary doctor visits.
The mental and emotional weight of a situation like that is unimaginable. Additionally, this put one of his original dream’s of attending ESL classes (a vital step toward unlocking better-paying jobs and further integrating into his community) completely on hold. Hussain’s situation highlights exactly how limited access to transportation affects your ability to work, receive vital medical care, and pursue educational opportunities.
The Golden Rule
Hussain was elated when he saw his beautiful 2015 Honda Odyssey, a van that will greatly serve his family of 6. To make this giveaway even more special though, we brought the celebration directly to our incredible partners at Golden Rule Auto Care. Their talented team does most of our major pre-giveaway repair work to ensure the vehicles we gift are safe and reliable. We wanted to host Hussain's vehicle reveal at their shop as a massive "thank you" to their crew. We wanted the mechanics who pour their sweat and expertise into these cars to see firsthand one of the many beautiful families their hard work is actively serving!
If you live in the North Dallas area, support them at one of their 3 shops in Rowlett, Wylie, (and as of last week!) Farmersville. As their name implies, this shop is devoted to the Biblical principle found in Matthew 7:12, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Hussain now holds the keys to his family's future. He can commute to work with peace of mind, enroll in English classes, and, most importantly, safely take his baby to the hospital whenever needed. We are so honored to be part of his journey, and we couldn't do it without the village that supports us.
Story shared with the client’s permission
Photos by Jon Dunlop
