This week we’d like to help a 17 year old boy called Calvin from Wales, who has been homeless for almost a year.

When Calvin was 14 his dad died. Everything was in chaos. His brothers were in and out of prison, there were a lot of problems with alcohol and fighting and Calvin just couldn’t stay in the family home anymore. 

He left with nowhere to go. He was sleeping rough in a doorway and then stayed on friends’ sofas for a few months.

After 7 months without a home, Calvin is just about to move into a hostel run by a homelessness charity. His support worker said: “Calvin has suffered badly with his mental health. He had an eating disorder, and has been exploited by older people…he is extremely vulnerable but has so much potential.”

Calvin has come a long way since the charity has started working with him. “He was self-harming, lonely and lost but the progress he has made is amazing.. From being a nervous young man, to now attending interviews and socialising with others…and wanting to do something with his life, and have a life.”

He is looking into college courses and applying for jobs - and for the first time in a very long time, he feels like he might have a future.

Calvin moves into the hostel this week. All he has are few clothes. The room will come with a single bed and a wardrobe but nothing else.

We’d like to provide everything he needs to make it feel like a proper home for him. We’d also like to help cover the cost of training courses if needed or clothes for work.

*Name changed and stock image used