The Thankful Leper is a non-denominational ministry of former homeless helping others out of homelessness. The founder of The Thankful Leper, Bobby Depp, has found a way to give back to those in need. Depp said through his story of kindness, giving, and, most importantly, faith he has found a way to “Do my best and let God do the rest.”

Depp said his story began in Texas where he spent part of his life living in a dumpster. During his day-to-day struggle to stay alive, he came down with an infection and noticed his eye was bothering him. He knew because he already had AIDS it would be hard for him to fight off this infection. He said he knew he needed to get to the hospital, and he needed to get there fast.

Depp went to a friend who worked at a valet service. While in the area, a shiny, black car drove up to him. A man stepped out of the vehicle after overhearing Depp ask for help. He took a step toward Depp and handed him a $100 bill. The man was Dallas Cowboy’s quarterback Tony Romo.

This was the start of his journey. Depp said he promised he would pay that $100 bill forward each day of his life. He made it to the hospital to get his eye taken care of and began his journey to Iowa. In Iowa his dream sprouted. He said he wanted to help take on one of the biggest issues in Iowa, homelessness.

He found himself worshipping at Luther Memorial Church. There, Depp said, God opened the door, and as he began to share his story, responses started to pour in.

Russ Lackey, campus pastor, said he first met Depp at a church picnic. But, it wasn’t until Lackey came back from vacation a month later that he learned about his story.

Lackey said, “We are a school that teaches about vocations. Passion meets the world’s needs. Bobby has a vocation to the homeless. He is living out his passion.”

People involved in the church and on campus have helped assist Depp in his program.

Depp is currently working with grocery stores, fast food restaurants and other businesses and corporations throughout the community to gather donations. He said he asks for anyone to help him with what he does. If there aren’t people helping it won’t continue to be a success.

Depp also hosts an event called Round-Up, takes place every Sunday at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park downtown. This event includes a prayer circle and provides a time for people to donate food, water, and other essentials to area homeless.

Although he touches different people’s hearts each day, there is one person who said Depp has really influenced him, another homeless individual named Chris.

“Three or four months ago Bobby helped get me a few things I needed, including food and sleeping bags,” Chris said. “I had shown Bobby where I was living and also introduced him to some of my friends that were in the same situation.”

Chris said not long after that, he hurt his friendship with Depp.

“I made a poor decision,” Chris said. “I stole Bobby’s tablet. I stayed away for a month and avoided him at every cost. It was one day that I was at the Burger King downtown where I spotted Bobby. I knew that if I got up and walked that I would draw attention to myself so I stayed low to the ground and tucked my head inside my arms. Bobby had already seen me. He walked over and told me ‘You’re forgiven.’ After asking me if I was hungry we continued into the Burger King to get food.”

Chris said Depp has since opened his home to him and is helping him create a better life for himself. Bobby said he hopes to keep all of his relationships with the community active and would love to have any help people would be willing to provide.

His first step in doing so would be to appear on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” He said he wants DeGeneres to call Tony Romo and tell him how far that $100 bill has gone.

Depp said DeGeneres has also inspired him to give back to others and helped him adopt his motto, “Always remember, be kind to one another.”

To keep up to date on The Thankful Leper or to find information on how to help, Depp can be contacted through the information listed below.