Archive · 1 Feb 2026
Officer's Kindness Leads to Homeless Woman's New Start
A police officer in Syracuse saw a woman struggling to carry groceries up a hill.
He offered her a ride to the cemetery where her husband is buried.
They talked about their lives, and the officer later found out she had been living in the cemetery for eight months.
The officer helped her get a new home and raised money to support her.
Now, she is safe and warm, and they have become good friends.
She believes her faith led her to the officer who helped her.
Officer Jamie Pastorello offered Rhea Holmes a ride to the cemetery on December 13, 2025.
Rhea had been living in the cemetery near her husband's grave for about eight months.
She lost her job and home after her husband's sudden death in 2020.
Officer Pastorello arranged temporary housing and raised over $27,000 through a GoFundMe campaign.
Rhea moved into a fully furnished home on January 5, 2026, and is now safe and warm.
- Who
- Rhea Holmes, a 55-year-old homeless woman, and Officer Jamie Pastorello
- What
- An officer's act of kindness led to the discovery of a homeless woman living in a cemetery and her subsequent support
- When
- December 13, 2025, with follow-up actions in January 2026
- Where
- Syracuse, New York
- Why
- Officer Pastorello noticed Rhea struggling and offered her a ride, leading to the discovery of her living situation
- Date of Incident
- December 13, 2025
- Location
- Syracuse, New York
- Officer's Name
- Jamie Pastorello
- Woman's Name
- Rhea Holmes
- Duration of Homelessness
- Eight months
- Funds Raised
- $27,000
- New Home Date
- January 5, 2026