Michael Bucknell, 38, has been on the streets on and off for years.
Originally from Doncaster, he told YorkshireLive that he has struggled with money and difficult landlords that have made it hard to hold down a place. He also said that, since becoming homeless, people have shouted at him, spat at him and accused him of being a drug-addict.
Now, however, Michael has managed to get a roof over his head - thanks to a very honest sign and the generosity of members of the public.
"I said to myself: 'I want to be off of the streets before Christmas' and now people have given me that Christmas present."
Tired of being shouted at, Michael recently made a sign and brought it with him to where he sits outside a Wakefield Aldi.
The sign reads: "I'm Michael, I don't do drugs or alcohol - I'm just unlucky to of become homeless. I'm looking for work or any odd jobs. Thank you for your help and kindness, Michael."
As Michael explained: "I don't like begging - I find it quite degrading. I've been spat on, punched, accused of only asking for money to take drugs.
"I'm just someone that's fallen on hard times - I've been up and down throughout my life and I've just been wanting somewhere to call home recently.
He was approached by a woman named Mollie May who shared his sign on Facebook and encouraged passers-by to give him a chance or let her know if they could offer him any work.
While Michael hasn't yet managed to get a job - more and more people stopped to donate to him or grab him something to eat.
He raised £150, which he said he has now taken to Dominion Housing Services, which provide unemployed people with housing in Wakefield.
He has been given a place to stay, and is now hoping to furnish it with some essentials such as a toaster and a TV if he can raise the funds.
"I'm starting from scratch, but I'm working my way up," he said.
"It's a fresh start and I hope it will be a new chapter of my life. It feels brilliant - I can't thank the public enough. They helped me in a big way.
"Now I'm off of the streets I'm going to grab this opportunity with both hands and not let it go."
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