News

Actions

Facebook post of homeless man helps family reunite after seven years

Facebook helps family reunite after seven years
Posted
and last updated

INDIANAPOLIS – A Facebook photo of a homeless man, possibly suffering from starvation, helped a family reunite with their loved one after seven years.

The photo was posted by a man who shared his good deeds online. The man said, “I had to give this poor guy some money. I NEVER give panhandlers money… this guy's stomach was hitting his back and ribs popping out.”

Johnny Rhodes, who was in the photo, was seen sitting outside of a flea market near Thompson Road and Madison Avenue.

The photo was shared more than 1,000 times and caught the attention of Johnny’s brother, Danny Rhodes.

"I'm so sick to my stomach right now,” said Danny. “I can't function to know someone is living this way and looks this bad."

Danny said he has not seen Johnny since their mother died seven years ago. He said Johnny had a history of drug and alcohol abuse.

Danny immediately wanted to find his brother to get him help, but locating him again was an issue. 

Amy Renae Smith, who doesn't know the family, saw the picture, and created a “Searching for Johnny Rhodes” Facebook page, and filed a missing person report with police.

"Since he is over the age of 18, it's up to him what he wants to do and if he wants to reach out to anybody,” said Smith early Monday.

Late Monday afternoon, Johnny’s family found him once again and he was reunited with his loved ones. 

Tuesday morning, Smith posted again, with an update on Johnny. 

"He had two meals, a hit [sic] shower, a pair of clean clothes, a room to himself with quiet, a king size bed, tv w/ cable, fridge, a microwave, Pepsi, & leftovers. He is safe, and resting," she wrote.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Monday

06/30/2025

Clear

-° / 73°

0%

Tuesday

07/01/2025

Clear

102° / 71°

0%

Wednesday

07/02/2025

Clear

101° / 73°

0%

Thursday

07/03/2025

Clear

103° / 70°

0%

Friday

07/04/2025

Clear

96° / 66°

0%

Saturday

07/05/2025

Clear

96° / 68°

0%

Sunday

07/06/2025

Clear

99° / 70°

0%

Monday

07/07/2025

Clear

101° / 71°

0%