Teenage girl's heartwarming act for homeless man who pleaded for work in moving note
A homeless man has penned a note pleading for work in the hope of making his life worth living.
Anthony Johnson, 37, left a note outside his tent next to a bus stop in East Sussex.
It says he will do “a trial for free” and is willing to do housework, dog walking, window cleaning, gardening and other activities.
“Anything to make a living and make life seem worth living,” it reads. “Help change a life.”
Mr Johnson has been homeless for nine years.
Charlotte Howard, 16, spotted the note and in a bid to drum up interest shared a picture of it on Facebook.
The 37-year-old said the reaction after Charlotte’s post was “weird”.
“I was suddenly bombarded by things,” he said.
“I wouldn’t have got anywhere looking for a 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.
“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.”
Mr Johnson said he’s previously spent time in prison and was a “horrible person living a horrible life”.
He said it’s the reason he ended up sleeping in a tent after choosing to walk away from a life of crime.
“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,” Mr Johnson said.
“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.”
Charlotte’s post caught the eye of landscape gardener Nelson Smith.
Mr Smith recognised Mr Johnson as a man trying to turn his life around.
“I have had problems with mental health in recent years and in this post, I saw someone trying to help themselves,” Mr Smith said.
“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.”
Charlotte’s also managed to buy a camper van for Mr Johnson after raising more than A$1590 via crowdfunding.
Mr Johnson thanked those who stepped in to help him.
“Thank you for helping change what I have going on, thank you for understanding my situation,” he said.
“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.”
Mr Johnson and Charlotte are now looking for a place to park the caravan.
– SWNS/ Mega Australia
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