Former homeless addict gives back through cooking meals

Former homeless addict gives back through cooking meals

Cecil Morris Jr. says cooking isn't just a job, it's a calling. "Everybody deserves a chance, everybody, you know." says Cecil. No one knows that better than Morris himself. For years, this 47-year-old chef was homeless living on the streets of Mobile, Alabama. He was battling addiction and diving into dumpsters to find his next meal. "I know how it is to be hungry. It feels like your ribs and your back are having a conversation with one another." His life became so desperate that he nearly ended it. "If not for the Salvation Army, I'd be dead. It was here. It was God sent."

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Morris entered the shelter's drug rehab program, began washing dishes in the kitchen and worked his way up to becoming the director of culinary arts. Today, he mentors other recovering addicts. "He has a way of touching the lives of the people. And his work in the kitchen is a ministry to him. It's not just a paycheck. It's not just work," said Major Ted Morris. The holiday season is Cecil's busiest time of the year and also his most rewarding. "The biggest compliment that I can get is when a person leaves here saying, "Cecil, everything was good." And they rub their stomach, 'cause I know they're full." One man making a difference, offering food and hope.