Burglars steal money meant for the homeless

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Funded by donations for which she has to work hard, and welcomes, Ruth Kgamane helps feed a couple of thousand people a month.

"It's what God has called me to do," said Kgamane, who immigrated from South Africa 23 years ago. She gave up a career in finance to provide and minister to the less fortunate and formed the non-profit The Oasis of Love Foundation.

For this moment, the tables have been turned.

Sunday, Kgamane said, even as she was feeding homeless people in Houston, before she went to church, burglars broke into her north Harris County apartment.

"When we went inside, every drawer was open. They got in through the front door," she said.

The food she has stockpiled in boxes and a large freezer was untouched. Missing were two laptops, a couple of electronic tablets and a TV. Also gone was $2,200 in cash, including money had been donated a few days ago by a woman who wanted to give $1,000 to the cause.

Khamane uses cash to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, and to rent trucks twice a month to transport the food to regular clients, including a transitional facility for veterans.

The thieves left no clues behind - no fingerprints - and she says there are no security cameras in the complex.

"I forgive them," she said. A woman of faith, she believes that evil is always overcome by good.

"I think they knew they came into a different kind of home," motioning to a large framed picture of Jesus. "He was waving at them while they were here."

It's faith that has given her a sense of peace about provision. When asked whether the burglars also need to confess their sins, she replied, "God is in charge of that."

For information on her non-profit, go to The Oasis of Love Foundation on Facebook.