Homeless Man Who Offered To Work For Free Lands Job And Accomodation
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A homeless man has found work and accommodation after offering to work for free to "make life worth living."
Anthony Johnson's heartbreaking note was spotted by 16-year-old Charlotte Howard, who felt compelled to share it on social media.
The 37-year-old's plea was then seen by Nelson Smith, a landscape gardener who offered him a job - which he starts on Monday.
Anthony has been homeless for nine years and currently sleeps in the tent next to a bus stop in Hastings, East Sussex.
He said: "The reaction after Charlotte posted the note was weird - I was suddenly bombarded with things.
"I wouldn't have got anywhere looking fora job if it wasn't for her - she really is incredible."
"She saw me and recognised my position and decided she wanted to do something to help," he continued.
"It's not like I haven't previously been asking for help but all it takes is an open-minded person like Charlotte to come along and help."
Anthony admitted to previously being a "horrible person living a horrible life" who spent time in of prison.
He said: "The fact is that trying to walk away from that horrible life landed me on the streets.
"I didn't want to do the things I used to do - my social circles used to be drug takers and criminals. Now it's pastors and people doing outreach work.
"Getting a job is about having something to do rather than rotting away on a bench - it's about having something in your life and at the moment that seems to be coming back."
Nelson said he was inspired to contact Charlotte because he saw Anthony as a man who was trying to help himself.
He said: "I have had problems with mental health in recent years and in this post, I saw someone trying to help themselves.
"I contacted Charlotte and said I might be able to find something for him - it looks like we may have sorted a job for him on Monday."
Charlotte has also managed to buy a caravan for Anthony using money from an online fundraiser which reached £860.
Addressing those who have helped him, Anthony added: "Thank you for helping change what I have going on, thank you for understanding my situation.
"I couldn't have got out without the help of people like them.
"If I could write a message to thank every single person who donated then I would."
Anthony and Charlotte are now looking for a place to park the caravan.