It was a chance encounter, followed by an accidental exchange, but what happened to Ashley Meilleur this week has inspired her to help a homeless woman she believes could use the help.

While stopped at a traffic light, Meilleur noticed a group of homeless people on the side of the road with a sign that said: "Hungry, anything will help."

Meilleur, who says she often gives food to those who need it, handed a woman her lunch bag without realizing that her $700 cell phone was still in it.

"About twenty minutes later, I get a phone call from my mom in Ontario saying a panhandler called and said she had my cell phone," Meilleur told CTV's Alesia Fieldberg.

When the two met to exchange the phone, Meilleur said the woman asked for nothing in return.

"She actually said that she felt bad because it was a long distance number, that she was using my minutes," Meilleur said.

As the two talked, the woman told Meilleur a few bad decisions had led her to a life on the streets.

"I asked her where she was going tonight and she said 'nowhere,' and I couldn't believe that she actually slept on the streets," Meilleur said.

After the two women went their separate ways, Meilleur says she began to think more and more about the stranger's selfless gesture.

Meilleur says she now wants to find the woman and help her get off the streets and find a job. She bought a cellphone for the woman with a two-year contract so the two can stay in touch.

It's what some would call paying it forward.

"I told her that monetarily I couldn't help her out, but resourcefully I could help her get her life where she needs it to be," Meilleur said.

Meilleur is still looking for the woman, but posted the story of her chance encounter online. People have already contacted her willing to donate to the cause.

Meilleur says she's also been inspired to continue to help others on the street, and is collecting gift cards to hand out on Christmas Day.

"You know, sometimes you underestimate and pre-judge in certain situations," Meilleur said. "And this has really empowered me to help people and hopefully make a change. "

If you want to help get involved with Meilleur's cause, she can be reached at: thelendinghand@hotmail.com.