Dozens of family, friends and well-wishers turned out for a homecoming celebration Friday for World War II veteran Johnnie Hodges. After living in his Humboldt Parkway home in Buffalo more than 60 years, the 90-year-old Hodges was evicted in July after a lender foreclosed. He said he fell behind on his bills while caring for his ailing wife, who has since passed away.
Hodges refused to leave his home and had to be carried out on a stretcher. After word spread, a GoFundMe campaign launched by a stranger raised $100,000 for Hodges to get his home back.
"I want to thank everybody that helped me and helped my family," Hodges said. "Thank God for doing everything that He did for us. He is a great God. There is nobody like Him."
A large group of people, including several elected officials, was present for Friday's homecoming.