Years after Jerry Fleischaker's wife died of Alzheimer's disease in 2002, she's still inspiring him.

The 79-year-old, motivated after her death to help those suffering from mental illnesses, ditched retirement to volunteer full time and then some each week, walking the streets of downtown Minneapolis to help those without permanent homes.

"I just had a vision of her, in the mental state she was in, being outside," he said, adding later that he just wants to put an end to homelessness. "There are hundreds right here in our community who need to know someone cares."

Fleischaker was one of the six people honored Wednesday by the McKnight Foundation, the state's largest private foundation, for caring about their community and dedicating hours to public service.

From filling a gap in services for young Somali-Americans to fixing up bikes for victims of torture, the six shared their stories and each received a $10,000 thank you from McKnight.

With more people out of work today, leaders said the stakes are higher for Minnesotans in need of people like Fleischaker to lend a hand.

"These are just amazing people," said Kate Wolford, the foundation's president. "Their stories are always inspiring."

The Virginia McKnight Binger Awards, in their 26th year, honor people who often receive little or no recognition -- or in Fleischaker's case, no pay.

"He's my hero," said 47-year-old Jay Baumgartner, who is now applying for housing and hopes to soon find employment, thanks to Fleischaker. "I've got an immense gratitude for the guy. [He] gives you inspiration to get back on your feet."

Fleischaker, a former pharmaceutical representative, spends 40 to 50 hours volunteering with St. Stephen's Human Services Street Outreach program to help give a second chance to those without permanent homes or jobs. He walks the streets of Minneapolis, greeting and handing out his card to those who are camping out on park benches or along the road.

Second chances are also part of the work of Dan Hunt, another McKnight honoree. The director of housing for Minneapolis-based Urban Homeworks helps families in need of low-income housing.

"I'm so proud of an organization that puts people over programs and budgets and things," he said, tearfully. "Given the choice to make a decision for a person ... we choose people every time."

Hunt made a choice that went a step further, donating a kidney to one of his residents when a donor backed out.

"Not all of us would do it," Wolford said of Hunt's decision. "But boy, when you have a story like that, it makes you think, 'What more could I do? We all have some skill and talent."

Kelly Smith • 612-673-4141