As businesses have remained shut down and unemployment numbers remain high due to the coronavirus pandemic, crime has increased in many areas across the country. CBS reports that in Chicago alone, over 1,400 carjackings occurred last year.

Jermaine Jordan wasn’t a carjacking victim of 2020, but he has been car jack three times in his life, and the experience of each one has left a lasting imprint on him. Jordan owns a car dealership and car wash, and also run a restaurant that serves those facing food insecurity.  He decided to use his business experience and his heart for service to aid those to our victimized by carjacking.

“You know me being a victim of being carjacked, my heart went out to them,” Jordan said.

Utilizing his own money as well has funds raised through charitable donations, Jordan has been able to give away 15 vehicles two people who have had their cars stolen, in an effort to help them get back on their feet right away.

Edward Padilla is one of the beneficiaries of Jermaine’s philanthropic work after he had his car stolen at gunpoint, an experience he said put his life on hold due to a sudden lack of transportation.

“Guy told me not to turn around and give him the keys,” Padilla said. “I felt a gun behind my back and a guy telling me to get out of the car.”

Jermaine Jordan was able to set the father of four up with a used Chevy Trailblazer, completely checked over and road ready, and totally free to Padilla. He told him he had nothing he needed to do except take the keys and drive off.

“Tires are brand new, brakes, everything,” Padilla said. “He was like that’s your car. I think Jermaine is like an angel … Yeah, that’s what I consider him — an angel.”

When asked about his motivation for being able to give up so much personal capital for complete strangers, Jordan said:

“I felt compelled to give away cars to the carjacked victims,” Jordan said. “Yes, I wanted to help. It just floods your heart to be able to help someone else and it feels good.”