Tony Robbins and others save local centenarian from homelessness

The life of an 100-year old Palm Desert woman is forever changed after an act of kindness by a famous motivational speaker and the good work of a community.

Evelyn Heller was court ordered out of her home and was weeks away from homelessness.

But last week author and philanthropist Tony Robbins heard about Heller’s situation while visiting in the Coachella Valley. He offered her $1,000 a month to cover her rent for at least two years.

“It’s absolutely overwhelming and I’m so grateful,” says Heller. Anything I can do to contribute to be helpful will be my pleasure.”

Robbins was in Palm Desert for the American Documentary Film Festival when he heard about Heller’s predicament.

She was ordered out of her home and told to pay $616 in “holdover damages” after losing a trial on April 1, according to court documents.

Heller was also ordered to pay more than $900 in court and attorney’s fees following the judgment in favor of the plaintiff and landlord, Deep Canyon Desert LLC.

Friday night, CBS Local 2 and KESQ were there as Robbins himself paid Heller a visit at her new apartment in La Quinta.

“She won’t have to worry about a home for the rest of her life which is perfect,” said Robbins.

Adult protective services also stepped in and helped Heller find a new place. It was Congressman Raul Ruiz who introduced Heller to APS, which is a program that assists the elderly.

“That story of him helping her and her having so much life and energy that inspires me to continue to work hard for our seniors,” says Ruiz.

Robbins has helped feed millions of people through his large charity projects, and says he hopes to inspire others to pay it forward by sharing Heller’s story.