The 'Man with the Golden Voice' gives back

NEW YORK (WHDH) -- He's been dubbed as "the man with the golden voice" and now this once-homeless man is using it to speak up for others.

Ted Williams was addicted to drugs two years ago when an online video brought him overnight fame. Now he's determined to use that fame to help others who are struggling.

Nearly everything in his life has changed. Everything that is, except the voice.

But the memories of 17 years of homelessness are still fresh.

Williams was standing on a highway median when a reporter from the local Ohio paper shot the famous video; a dirty, bedraggled beggar with the most unlikely of gifts.

Days later Ted Williams was on the Today Show. The man with the Golden Voice proved he is also something of a performer.

It didn't go unnoticed. Williams now has a contract with Kraft Macaroni and Cheese doing voiceovers.

A job and an apartment later, there is no doubt life has improved. He even had an emotional reunion with his mother, but there are still some struggles.

His relationship with his seven children is strained and Williams battles a dangerous demon: drug and alcohol addiction.

“Matt Lauer was very scared for me at one point,” said Williams.

He said he's taking it a day at a time and focusing on the things that matter to him, like helping the homeless, some of whom are still friends.

Williams partnered up with his employer Kraft to start a foundation, raising money to help the poor in Columbus, Ohio.

“Some people they really look at me with admiration and they're like ‘God if you can do it I can do it" and I feel like if I fail what is that person going to do,” said Williams.

Shouldering that responsibility he says keeps him on track and focused on what he does best.