Jackie Robinson West’s performance at the Little League World Series was a feel-good story for all of us and a feel-good story for Chicago. And while everybody felt happy inside about their performance, when the tournament was over, the players returned with their championship to one of the roughest neighborhoods in the country.
Homeless Jackie Robinson West player gets year’s worth of rent
While Jaheim Benton was helping Jackie Robinson West to victory, his home situation was uncertain. After his story got publicized, someone stepped up to make sure his family can pay for rent.
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
So it’s good to see that their inspiring performance will help foster more than good feelings for the players and their families. One of the players, Jaheim Benton, had been without a steady home since June. Until now -- a local benefactor has stepped up to provide the family with a year’s worth of rent: Via Chicago’s ABC7:
But while Jaheim had a knack for rounding the bases and getting to home, the 12-year-old had no place to call home. With Jaheim’s parents both struggling to find full-time work, the family was forced to split up and stay at friends’ houses.
...
Spencer Leak, Jr., from Leak and Sons Funeral Home in Chatham, was moved by Jaheim’s story. The Leak family made a generous gift on Friday: a year’s worth of rent for the Little Leaguer’s family.
“I would hope that this rent turns into a mortgage that turns into home ownership for them,” said Leak Jr. “We want our little superstar to have a roof over his head because that’s what he is. He’s a superstar.”
The story explains that Jaheim’s mom had her hours cut as a home care provider, and his dad only has part-time work as a radiator technician. Now, they can have a real home for their talented son.
This story is so good there’s only one way it can end: With the NCAA stripping Jaheim’s future eligibility for receiving impermissible benefits.
See More:
