A West Norwood man who spent 15 Christmases living rough on the capital’s streets has described the “miracle” of spending the festive period having turned his life around.
Steve Grinstead, 52, is based at charity Emmaus’s centre in Knight’s Hill which offers homeless people a home, work and the chance to rebuild their lives by restoring and selling second hand furniture.
He said: “Christmas was the time I always felt most alone.”
Steve twice tried to kill himself because he found the festive period so difficult.
But since finding the charity some 15 years ago, Mr Grinstead has become teetotal, trained at fixing electronics and furniture, and now plays a vital role as a member of support staff for homeless people who come to the centre.
He said: “Christmas here will be like a family Christmas.”
• To find out more, or to donate and buy furniture, call 020 8761 4276 or visit emmau.org.uk
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