Shytles told WTKR, "It hurts me to be alone."

People from all over the country responded to the request, but a local military family contacted Shytles first.

Ashley and Cory McLemore welcomed Shytles into their home. They picked him up from the Union Mission where he currently stays and drove him to their home for Thanksgiving lunch and dinner.

Ashley McLemore says because they are a military family, they understand being separated from loved ones during the holidays, which motivated her to reach out to the homeless man.

Shytles has been touched by the outpouring of support. His story has helped increase donations to the shelter where he resides. In addition, the McLemore's started a fundraiser for Shytles, raising $400 in just two days.

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com