16-year-old Charlotte Howard of the UK recently came across a note on the streets on Hastings, East Sussex. The note was laid next to a tent and upon reading it, she felt compelled to do something about it. The note was written by 37-year-old Anthony Johnson who had been homeless for nine years and living on the street.
The note detailed that the man was willing to work a free trial to show he’s hardworking. It also said that he doesn’t do drugs or drink and is willing to show his skill-set for anyone interested in various different fields of work.
The note detailed the following:
“Work wanted
I will do a trial for free to show how I work. I don’t take drugs or drink
I will also do:
Dog walking-minding.
Window cleaning.
Sloping.
Gardening.
Car valiting-washing
Housework, cooking
Anything to earn a living and make life seem worth living.
Help change a life”
After reading the note, Charlotte took a photo of it and posted it to Facebook to try and help. It was then noticed by Nelson Smith, a landscape gardener, who saw potential in Anthony’s skill-set. He contacted Charlotte and the two set up a gardening job for Anthony that he will start soon!
“I have had problems with mental health in recent years and in this post, I saw someone trying to help themselves,” Nelson said.
Anthony was incredibly grateful for Charlotte and her efforts to help him find a job. “I wouldn’t have got anywhere looking for a job if it wasn’t for her – she really is incredible. 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 revealed that he’s had a past with drug use and crime, but he’s turned his life around completely since then. “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.”
Anthony truly wanted to make a difference in his life, but he needed the extra help from a good soul like Charlotte, who also managed to raise over £1,000 by using GoFundMe for a caravan so Anthony would have a place to live while working.
“Thank you for helping change what I have going on, thank you for understanding my situation,” Anthony says to those who donated to help out, “If I could write a message to thank every single person who donated then I would.”
What an absolutely heartwarming story that reminds us that there are truly selfless and giving people in the world, like Charlotte.
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