UTICA, N.Y --- Many of us on Thanksgiving are spending time with our families and friends. But there are people in our communities that don't get that opportunity.

One man who currently lives at the Utica Rescue Mission is thanking one resident for their random act of kindness that ultimately saved his life.

Arthur (Artie) Caton was homeless for several days, losing everything this month after suffering a spinal injury. He was in the hospital for two weeks.

"I came home from the hospital and my wife was gone with all of my kids and everything and wound up coming here. When I got out of the hospital I found myself losing the apartment that I was in," said Caton

He was living on the street for several days when there was one night where he thought it was all over.

"I don't even know what street it was on but the next thing I knew, someone's tapping my shoulder. He says "What are you doing?" And well I said I think this is where I'm going to die tonight. He said well what are you talking about? And I said I'm freezing, don't have a place to live, my batteries on my wheelchair are about ready to die, so I guess I said this is where it's going to end right here," said Caton.

Arthur who is in a wheelchair because of his injury said the man wheeled him about a mile in the cold from downtown Utica, all the way to the Utica Rescue mission. An act of kindness that saved his life.

He said he was embarrassed and scared to seek help from the Rescue Mission, but tells NEWSChannel 2 he is glad he did.

"The people here are wonderful the staff at the rescue mission where people sleep and at this restaurant I have not met one person that wasn't nice to me. That's why I try to do whatever I can to help people because it's coming back to you. I don't care what the circumstances are if I've got a dollar and you need it more than me I'll give you the dollar," said Caton.

"Thanksgiving means that you better be thankful to the Lord first and foremost for everything that you do have no matter how much or how little. Be thankful to your brothers and sisters because one day you might need their help," said Caton

Arthur said that once he gets back on his feet he hopes to get married. But said he's very thankful for the Rescue Mission's Hospitality.