MANILA – Heart Evangelista surprised a homeless man with his own place to stay, weeks after the actress was moved by his love for stray dogs.

The actress partnered with the dog rescue group Pawssion Project to provide a bahay kubo for Kuya Jun, complete with appliances and other home items.

“He had the simplest wishes, just a place where he can be with his dogs, and clothes he can use to go to church. We were all in tears when he cried for joy seeing his home and everyone else at the shelter giving him the warmest welcome. He said, every day, he prays for a home for him and his dogs, and we thank God for using all of us as His instruments,” read a post on the Instagram page of the Pawssion Project.

Addressing Evangelista, the dog rescue group added: “Thank you for helping us give him a home. It was all because of you that we now have this amazing new member of our family.”

Evangelista, for her part, said in a Twitter post: “Happy Sunday, Kuya. Welcome home sa inyo ng mga babies niyo. Di na kayo mauulanan. Thank you to everyone who made this possible and to Kuya for being an inspiration. You deserve the world.”

It was in November when Evangelista first met Kuya Jun at Gilmore Avenue in Quezon City, while she was looking for her missing pet dog Casper.

Posting a photo of her with Kuya Jun on Twitter, the actress wrote: “If you see him along Gilmore, say hello. His name is Jun. A hero, an inspiration.”

According to Pawssion Project, Kuya Jun is a street sweeper who gets an allowance of P100 a day, all of which he uses to buy food for himself and his seven dogs.

He is also known for helping other stray animals along Gilmore.