A Homeless Youth Asked a Stranger for Food. The Man Responded With a Question That Changed the Kid’s Life Forever

September 19, 2025

Peter Mutabazi's life transformed dramatically from living as a homeless child on the streets of Uganda to becoming one of America's most recognized foster fathers. At age 15, while attempting to steal from a stranger named Jacques Masiko, Mutabazi instead found a mentor who would change his life by providing him with food, education, and a loving home environment. Now 52 and living in Charlotte, North Carolina, Mutabazi has fostered 47 children and adopted three more, channeling the kindness he received from Masiko into his own mission of helping vulnerable children.

Who is affected

Peter Mutabazi, who transformed from a homeless street child to a well-known foster father
The 47 children Mutabazi has fostered and the three he has adopted
Jacques Masiko, who helped Mutabazi and now benefits from support from those he helped
Anthony, Mutabazi's first adoptee who wants to become a foster care advocate
Hundreds of children Masiko has helped throughout his life
The young woman who worked as Masiko's maid and recently graduated with a bachelor's degree

What action is being taken

Mutabazi is currently fostering and raising multiple children in his Charlotte home
Mutabazi is working as a senior child advocate at World Vision
Mutabazi is sharing his story through books, social media, and media appearances
Masiko is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for prostate cancer
Hundreds of people Masiko previously helped are collectively funding his medical treatment

Why it matters

Mutabazi's story demonstrates how one person's kindness can transform a life and create a ripple effect of positive change
The relationship between Mutabazi and Masiko offers a model for breaking cycles of abuse and creating new patterns of care
Mutabazi's work as a foster father provides loving homes for dozens of vulnerable children who might otherwise lack stable care
Their story shows how investing in people rather than material wealth creates lasting impacts across generations
Mutabazi's cross-racial adoptions provide "a glimpse of another world beyond America's persistent racial divisions"

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint