Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Jasmine Norden

Homeless man's honest sign helps him get a roof over his head ahead of Christmas

A homeless man finally has a roof over his head thanks to a homemade sign and the kindness of strangers.

Michael Bucknell has had a tough time since he's been on the streets of Wakefield.

People have shouted at him, spat at him and accused him of being a drug-addict, Yorkshire Live reports.

Michael he said he has struggled with money and difficult landlords that have made it hard to hold down a place over the years.

"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," he said.

Do you have a story to share? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk

Michael wanted to explain his situation (MEN MEDIA)

"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.

"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 made a sign and brought it with him to where he sits outside 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."

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 have stopped to donate to him or grab him something to eat.

He raised £150 and took it 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."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.