Today is World Homeless Day and we are sharing stories about the people who come through our doors.  People like Lewis, who is rebuilding his life after the year from hell.    

Things fell apart for Lewis a year ago after he lost his home, when his landlord decided to sell.  Unable to work due to poor health, Lewis couldn’t afford to rent somewhere new.  His only option was for him, and his precious pet dog, Panda, to sleep in his car.  

In the beginning he could afford some nights in a guesthouse, which he financed by selling his belongings.   “At the time, I thought this is much better than the streets”, said Lewis.  That was, until his car was repossessed in January this year.      

“I had no money, no phone, no car, no warmth – everything I had from my home was in storage 15 miles from where I was. I spent nights on the street although I didn’t sleep.  Some might think I went about it all wrong, but the problem was, I think I had too much pride.”

“I would still dress in my blazer, put on my Ray-bans and make sure I looked presentable when this was completely the wrong thing to do.  What I should’ve done was seek help, however I had no family, other than my father, who was in the same position as me,” said Lewis.

When he did look for support, Lewis came to us and admits that he had no idea what to expect.  As he walked into our Intervention Centre his first concern was for Panda and whether she’d be allowed to stay.  To his surprise he was told she could.   

“I’d already lost my home, my car and my property, I didn’t want to lose my only family, my best friend, my dog, Panda, said Lewis.  So he “self-referred” to us and started off sleeping on floor space in our centre before being moved to a pod and then his own room.  

“The first week was my favourite.  It was an opportunity to meet all different types of people, to hear their stories as to how they became homeless.  This is a place where you can make lifelong friends, and it also reminds you that you’re not alone in it.”

Lewis decided to volunteer within the centre, mainly working in the kitchen.  It didn’t take long for Panda to become a popular visitor as well.  Feeling better about himself, Lewis decided to look for a job.  Things were looking promising, that is until COVID 19 dashed them all.   

In the summer Lewis was offered a place of his own, which he moved into with his Dad and Panda.  “I’m not going to pretend like it was ALL a great experience.  Spending nights in the freezing cold on the street and the despair that you go through. 

“You literally have no where else to go, no friends, no family, nothing – people get fed up, people get bored, people get depressed, people do drugs, people drink, people die. I drank a lot, most days – mainly because it was something to do, and something to kind of cheer you up. 

“Once things are back to ‘normal’ I will return to the Huggard and volunteer as much as I can.  I want to give back to them for all the support they gave to me, said Lewis.  Justgiving.com/huggard.    

A big thank you to Lewis for agreeing to us sharing his story.