Rather Than Hiding Treasures in a Trophy Room, NBA Legend is 'Selling It All' for Underprivileged Kids
"When it comes to choosing between storing a championship ring in a room, or providing kids with an opportunity ... the choice is pretty simple."
Kim Kardashian-West isn't just a famous social media starlet – she is also an advocate for judicial reform.
That's why she is volunteering to pay for five years of rent on behalf of Matthew Charles, one of the first inmates to be released from prison as a result of recent criminal justice reform.
The First Step Act, which was approved with sweeping bipartisan support back in December, reduces federal prison sentences for nonviolent offenders.
Charles was first convicted of drug charges and sent to prison in 1996. After serving 20 years of his 35-year sentence, he was released in 2018 as a result of his conviction being deemed "unfair" – only to be sent back to prison for a second time shortly after his release.
Thanks to the legislation's approval, however, Charles was released from prison in early January. He even attended the State of the Union address at the personal invitation of President Donald Trump.
Despite finally achieving his freedom, Charles has not been able to receive approval on any of his housing applications because of his criminal background.
Upon hearing about Charles's struggling to find housing, Kardashian-West then reached out to the former inmate and offered to cover his rent for the next five years.
"Kim reached out privately to Matthew yesterday after hearing he was having a hard time getting approved for an apartment and has generously offered to pay five years of his rent," Tim Hardiman, a senior producer at CMT in Nashville, told US Weekly earlier this week. "He was overwhelmed by Kim's offer and graciously accepted.
"Her generosity will allow him to save enough money to eventually put a down payment on a house. It's truly changed his life," he added.
Charles later made a Facebook post praising the celebrity for her kindness, adding that "Kim did not do this for attention or publicity, but I had to share it, because it's too good not to, and my heart is about to burst with happiness, that I wish you to rejoice in this news with me."
Though Kardashian-West has not issued a formal statement on her compassionate gesture, she is reportedly working with California Gov. Christopher Newsom (D) to end the state's death penalty sentence.
Be Sure And Share The Heartwarming News With Your Friends On Social Media – Feature photos by Kim Kardashian / Matthew Charles
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