She moved in with nothing. A stranger changed everything.
SAN ANTONIO — Three months ago, Tina Gomez walked into her new apartment with nothing but the clothes on her back.
Today, her home is filled with furniture, warmth and something she says she nearly lost — her dignity.
Gomez, 60, gave Fox SA’s Ryan Wolf a tour of her apartment at a Tarry Towne property on Vance Jackson Road, part of Opportunity Home San Antonio.
The moment is emotional for her.
“I felt sad because I was coming to a place with nothing,” she said.
After being forced to leave her previous rental, Gomez found herself starting over — with no furniture, no kitchen items and no sense of stability.
Desperate for help, she turned to a social worker who would change everything.
Maria Ramos, a resident coordinator at the complex, stepped in.
Gomez says Ramos didn’t just help — she went above and beyond.
“She said, ‘Give me two, three days,’” Gomez recalled. “And sure enough, within those days, she had everything for me.”
That “everything” included a full kitchen set, living room and bedroom furniture, rugs, dishes and silverware — even items Ramos purchased with her own money.
“I wish that there were more people like her,” Gomez said.
Ramos has worked with Opportunity Home San Antonio for nearly 30 years, helping residents in need rebuild their lives.
Gomez wanted to thank her — but Fox SA had something more in mind.
As part of the station’s Cash for Kindness contest, Ramos was surprised at her office.
“I just want you to know I’m so grateful,” Gomez told her. “You’ve been a blessing.”
Moments later, the surprise was revealed.
“This $1,000 represents the Cash for Kindness prize on behalf of our new sponsors, Manuel & Sons A/C and Heating and FOX SA,” Ryan Wolf said.
Ramos was stunned.
“It just feels amazing. Thank you. I feel great,” she said. “Giving goes a long way. Even if it’s me using my own personal funds it pays off.”
Ramos says she plans to use part of the money to continue helping others — something she has done for decades.
She believes she has helped hundreds of residents like Gomez.
How to nominate someone
Know someone who deserves a Cash for Kindness surprise?
The $1,000 award is given as two $500 American Express gift cards.