Thank you for walking with Eddie

Eddie describes his life before homelessness as, “happy with no dramas,” but then family relationships broke down and the world he knew crumbled when he lost his home and the sense of security, safety, and familiarity that he used to know.

For a year and a half, he was constantly on the move alternating between sleeping rough in his car and couch surfing, never staying in the one place for long.

“I'd have somewhere I could stay, but I just felt guilty. They've got their own lives. They don't need some old man staying with them. So, I'd stay a bit and then I'd just drive off somewhere, I spent a lot of time at the beach.”

Eddie felt daunted coming to Hutt St Centre for the first time, unsure of what he was walking into. What he found was life-changing support through our Aged City Living Team, who helped him access healthcare support and find a safe place to call home — but the change came with challenges.

“It felt silly, but when I got the house I was more lonely than ever. There was no one around, and it was hard because I'd wanted a house so much. So, my Case Manager encouraged me to join Hutt St's Lifestyles group. They're amazing people and I love them all. We go for coffee every Monday, we've been to the zoo, kayaking, cooking classes — it's all great.” 

With a renewed sense of homefulness, Eddie also found a new passion in creating art.

“I’d seen videos on YouTube when I was looking to learn how to pour paint, and then I put my own take on it with adding planets and stars. If it wasn’t for Hutt St, I wouldn’t be doing it anymore, because when I was thinking my art wasn’t good enough, they really did push me a lot to keep doing it.”

 “I felt privileged being asked to paint the boots, I really did. It's very humbling that people really like my art and I feel good inside about it. It gives me a boost.” 

Then the biggest hassle was trying to create a stencil for a round circle on the uneven boot surface, and to spray on the planets using an airbrush — it’s hard, it’s like you need another set of hands while you spray the circle. All the stars I painted by hand. I enjoyed the challenge; it kept me busy.

Eddie has been painting for nine months now and is feeling settled after living in his new house for nine months while building strong social connections.

“I spend more time now than I've ever spent with my kids. And my house now feels like home for sure, I'm growing veggies in my own yard.” 

"Art has brought me so close to so many people. Everyone likes to be liked y'know what I mean? With my artwork I've connected with more people, and the people I'm meeting are really nice."