How your kindness has brought warmth to David’s life
You may remember David*, who shared his story of life on the streets in our recent Winter Appeal. At age 16, David was left overwhelmed by grief when his dad – the person who cared for him most – died.
David turned to drugs and alcohol as he struggled to cope with his profound sense of loss: “My family practised tough love and kicked me out. They didn’t know what else to do…”
For years, David’s life was cold, frightened, and lonely. “I was sleeping behind buildings and wherever I could… Every joint in my body ached from the cold. It was that painful,” he said.
But for David and other people experiencing homelessness, your kind support provides a warm welcome and the chance to change their circumstances for good. At Hutt St Centre, David connected with the services he needed to escape homelessness, and find stability for the future. David says:
“Hutt St Centre gave me a place to connect with other people and start to feel human again. It’s so much more than just a meal… it let me feel like I was worthy of living and that I wasn’t alone.”
Since then, he’s discovered a passion for animals and wildlife that has led him into a rewarding career in conservation.
It’s always a joy to see how the right help can help turn lives around and bring lasting change for people like David – and it wouldn’t be possible without your generous support. Thank you.
Click here to continue reading this edition of The Word from the Street
*At Hutt St Centre we respect everyone who comes to us for help – and many are working toward a fresh start in life. So while this is a true story, names and images have been changed to protect their privacy. Thank you for understanding.