Man from Wilkinson

If you looked at it, you would see a bridge. If you thought about it (at all), you would think about driving over it, walking over it, of lingering at the railing while you looked into the valley below.

For me, for three years, the bridge was my only home.

I was plagued by illness then (and by addiction) and I had no-where else to go.

I lived under that bridge day-to-day, year round, rain or shine. It was lonely and it was exposed. I had a tiny tent, a one-man tent I slept in. After three years it was dirty and torn… it leaked water. It was the only shelter I had.

I couldn't live in a homeless shelter… (too unstable). Instead, I took my chances under the bridge.

A social worker helped me first. She supported my application to the Wilkinson Housing Programme.

When I finally found myself in a LOFT home, I was in terrible shape. For years I had been walking without proper shoes in every kind of weather… to find food. It took months to heal the blisters on my feet.

For years I had been sleeping in a tiny tent under a bridge. I couldn't sleep in my room… it was too big; I had to sleep in the closet.

For years I was an addict, and I was unhealthy in my mind. LOFT Community Services counseled me through my healing.

LOFT has supported me with housing for nearly a year now. I'm healthier mentally, and physically. I'm mobile now. I make a contribution to my home.

I have friends, friends I've never had before. They make differences to me and I make a difference to them.

I live independently now. I meet new challenges every day. I exceed my own expectations.

(for years I survived eating scraps of other people's garbage.) Now I can go to the grocery store and buy food. I can prepare my own meals. And I eat the food I've bought out of my own income. (It seems remarkable to me sometimes.)

These days I have interests I've never had before. These days, I will take a walk for the pleasure of it… I'll read a book.

For me, a guy who lived under a bridge, this is a better life lead… these days.

back to the stories menu
back to top