Betty Chinn Is Back Home After Receiving An Award From President Obama

Betty Chinn has been getting a lot of attention lately. In December, CNN aired a special on her, and this morning she talked to a New York Times reporter. But the biggest honor of all was from President Obama earlier this week.
"He came out, he shook hands, and he hugged us. He had a one on one conversation with us and then he told us, 'you remember today, you made history for America because this is the first group chosen by your own people. Not nominated by anybody, chosen by your own community. You are very special," said Chinn.
Chinn was one of 13 people to receive the honor. One Eureka resident who's homeless and benefits from Chinn's generosity says she's well deserving. "If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be wearing the clean clothes I am now. I wouldn't be eating nearly as much. I'd be pretty much starving most of the time," said Will Friar.
This is the place where Betty Chinn and her staff feed over 200 people each day. They can also get their clothes washed and take a shower here. For lunch Friday, Chinn's staff served the homeless terriyaki beef and potato salad. Many of the homeless volunteer by washing dishes, cleaning the showers and bathroom. Chinn says she feels compelled to help the homeless because she was once in their shoes.
"When I was young, I lived on the streets in China for a few years and nobody was there for me. Every time I asked for food, I'd get beat up," said Chinn.
Chinn says one of her goals is to help the homeless get cleaned up and find a job. She wouldn't have it any other way. In Eureka, Matt Mendes, News Channel 3.