Luke's story 

Luke’s childhood and young adulthood were marked by violence, addiction, and homelessness. Three Christmases on the streets left deep scars, but with REACH’s help, Luke has found warmth, food, and hope.  

“I literally slept months of my life away because I didn’t want to exist…”

Luke never stayed in the same place long growing up. He was surrounded by drugs and violence, sometimes coming home to a ransacked flat, his parents moving him regularly to flee from unpaid dealers and landlords.   

He left home at 15, relying on friends, until he finally ended up sleeping on the streets. For three Christmases, Luke slept rough, feeling cold, hungry, and alone. At rock bottom, mentally and physically, he heard about REACH, and was finally desperate enough to ask for help. 

“REACH put tins of food in my cupboard. They put clothes on my back and gave me the chance to get on a different road… I never even knew there was another road to be on. And REACH put me on it.” 

Today, Luke is grateful to be warm, safe and no longer hungry. He has a permanent home, is even learning to drive.  

Survival used to be his only goal, but now his determination to "be someone", gain independence through work, and surround himself with only positive things are what drives him. With your support, he has finally had the chance to change the course of his life for the better. 
 

*Name changed to protect identity