Bakery owner defends homeless man who lives outside the store after 1-star review

An angry customer’s 1-star review led the owner of Nomad Donuts in San Diego to defend a homeless man who frequented the store’s vicinity.

Praising the man as ‘intelligent and respectful,’ the owner’s response came after the customer expressed feeling guilty about buying donuts due to the man’s presence.

The incident happened a few years ago, but it still sparked conversations about how to treat homeless people.

Beerbellybegone, a Reddit user, discovered and shared screenshots of an angry customer’s 1-star review.

The review criticized a homeless man staying near the store’s entrance day and night for a year, questioning the value of spending $5 on a jelly donut in such a setting.

In response, owner Brad Keiller countered by highlighting the importance of the store to the homeless man, Ray.

He provided a thoughtful explanation of Ray’s background, defending his presence.

“Thanks for coming into the shop,” Brad wrote. “We’ve appreciated your support over the years, even at the original one on 30th St! I’m sorry that Ray ruined your experience on your last visit. Know that he would like you to continue buying $4 donuts from Nomad every day and doesn’t want you to feel guilty about it.”

Brad mentioned that their new location at the University has a larger homeless population than their original spot on 30th St.

The situation improved when Ray started spending time outside the shop, helping to deter troublesome individuals.

Despite having to confront people using drugs like meth and heroin and almost needing to physically remove them from the shop, Ray’s presence has helped manage these situations effectively.

Brad continued by describing Ray’s background: despite facing physical and psychological challenges, Ray is intelligent and respectful, having previously worked as a computer programmer.

Brad interacts with him daily, appreciating his presence as a valued member of their community.

Ray finds shelter from the elements outside the building, benefiting from shade during sunny days and warmth from the building’s walls at night.

“I understand how you feel, it’s not easy to look at. I know I probably lose some business, probably yours too, because of my choice not to chase him away but I won’t. He’s not looking for handouts and he tried not to other anyone. If you stop and talk with him maybe you’ll come to like him too,” Brad concluded.

Brad’s vocal support for Ray following the 1-star review generated positive responses online.

One commenter emphasized Ray as the true hero deserving more support than the business, highlighting Brad’s social consciousness.

Another praised the post for respecting Ray as a fellow human with a unique story.

A homeless commenter expressed appreciation for the business owner, stating they relate to the situation.

They noted that even when doing nothing wrong and staying sober, people often look down on them simply for existing.

What causes homelessness?

The housing and homelessness crisis is driven by two main issues: a lack of affordable housing and limited assistance programs. Rental prices far exceed the earnings of low-income renters, says National Coalition for the Homeless.

For example, a full-time worker must earn about $25.82 per hour for a two-bedroom apartment and $21.21 for a one-bedroom, while the national minimum wage is just $7.25.

Poverty and homelessness are also closely linked. Many impoverished people struggle to afford basic necessities like housing, food, and healthcare.

When finances are tight, housing often takes a hit. A single illness, accident, or missed paycheck can lead to homelessness.

2016 the national poverty rate was 12.7%, with about 40.6 million people affected.

Although this rate has slowly declined, several factors, including limited job opportunities and cuts to public assistance programs, keep people in poverty.

Additionally, issues like lack of affordable healthcare can lead to financial instability and eviction.

Domestic violence forces many individuals to choose between staying in danger and becoming homeless.

Mental illness and substance abuse also contribute significantly to the risk of homelessness, especially among those who are already struggling financially.

Here’s Brad Keiller talking about how great Nomad Donuts’ donuts contribute to the community—definitely not worth a 1-star review: