53-year-old Jonathan Potter is a recovering addict who's been on and off the street for 30 years.
"Because of my love for drugs, I threw my life away," said Potter.
But the day after a snowstorm he's up early shoveling driveways.
"I used to not care, and then I discovered it's more of a blessing to help people and to open my heart and to put a smile on someone else's face. Puts a smile in my heart," said Potter. "Makes me feel better about me."
Potter is a part of Lansing City Outreach, a non-profit organization that hires homeless people to help the disabled and elderly around the neighborhood, doing anything from cutting grass in the summer to taking care of snow in the winter.
"It works two ways," said Mark Bozzo with Lansing City Outreach. "First of all the people get theirs done free, and it gets the homeless people off the street."
The group tries to hit as many homes as they can.
"It's tough enough for them to make it," said Bozzo. "Most of them are living on social security. They can't afford to do it."
For 94-year-old Goldie Johnson, it's made a world of difference.
"I couldn't do it without him, and I'm so glad that I found out about them," said Johnson.
And the people working for the organization can't help but feel the same.
"It takes your mind off yourself and makes you realize that you don't have it that tough as you see other people that are struggling more," said Bozzo.
Giving Potter a different perspective on how to live his life.
"Helped me turn my life around and discover that I am somebody and that I'm worth saving," said Potter.
Realizing he matters to those who need him, providing warmth on a cold day.
