Rick Steves is a successful travel writer and television host, and like most wealthier people, he believes in investing his money. However, Rick believes in investing his money in a very non-traditional way.

“Rick’s investment is in people, community, and as he says, it could be more rewarding [than money],” said a reporter for K5 News.

Rick has spent time traveling the world with nothing but a backpack and a rail pass, and these experiences have taught him just how challenging it can be to find an affordable place to sleep. After getting his big break as a host on the Travel Channel, Rick immediately decided that he wanted to give back by helping young people find success. Specifically, he wanted to help young single mothers get back on their feet.

In 2005, Rick purchased the Trinity Place apartment complex just so that he could house single mothers who were struggling. He never collected any rent from the residents of the complex, instead using his income as the equity of the complex gains as it appreciates in value over time.

“Imagine the joy of knowing that I could provide a simple two-bedroom apartment for a mom and her kids as she fought to get her life back on track,” he said.

Trinity Place now houses single mothers who are recovering from drug addiction. The Rotary Club and YWCA have since gotten involved in helping Rick give these women the care that they need.

“They reunited mothers and children. That’s a big, big, big deal,” Doug Lofstrom of Edmond’s Rotary Club said of the project.

Tamara is a recovering addict who lives at Trinity Place. One year ago, she was homeless and her children were in foster care. Now, thanks to Rick, her kids are with her again and she is being an effective mother.

“It means being able to have my kids with me, and being able to raise them and be a mom again and get my life back on track,” she said.

Rick does not view what he’s doing as heroic in any way.

“I don’t think it’s particularly loving… to house people – I just think it’s enlightened. I want to get a return on my money,” he said.

God bless this man for using his money to make a difference in the lives of others!

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