Michael* still had a young innocent face, despite his life experience. Michael was 18, and had been homeless since he was 10.

Michael never knew his father, and lived with his mother and her boyfriends until his mother passed away. With no relatives to look after him, Michael went into foster care with another boy from a similar background.

One night after they were physically abused after breaking a window, they both left the foster home and got on a train. The train took them to Sydney, where they lived on the streets for a number of years.

When a close street friend was murdered, Michael decided to leave Sydney, and got on a train which took him to Newcastle.

When a close street friend was murdered, Michael decided to leave Sydney, and got on a train which took him to Newcastle.

Michael came to the McKenzie Day Centre because he’d heard that he could get a shower and a meal here. After talking to one of our volunteers, he learned about our accommodation program, and was encouraged to put in an application form.

Michael was surprised when he was told that there was a vacancy and he could move in that day.

After spending 18 months in our program, Michael rented a private house, but not before completing a TAFE course, and finding a part time job.

Please help more young people like Michael. Please donate now.

*model used in photo