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This World Homeless Day (October 10 2025), Dean shares how support from our charity helped him get back on his feet.
Before joining Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire, Dean spent almost 18 months living in a tent by a brook.
“It was the cold temperatures that really got to me,” he says. “Each day seemed like it lasted a fortnight. Some people might think it sounded like an adventure but when it’s below zero outside, and you’ve got a long beard full of ice, it’s not fun.”
Dean became homeless after years of caring for his mum and losing both his job and home following her death. He had left work to care for her full-time, and after she passed away, he took on the tenancy of their home and began working as a school cleaner. Sadly, a car accident left him injured and unable to work, and after several months of falling into debt, he was evicted.
His turning point came when local people introduced him to another charity, which later led him to Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire.
“Emmaus is brilliant – it’s like a stepping stone to get back into reality. They gave me my own room and a reason to get out of bed each morning. Emmaus gave me my life back and I’m incredibly thankful.”
At Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire, we are a Coventry-based homelessness charity providing accommodation, meaningful work opportunities, training and bespoke support for up to 17 people who have experienced homelessness. Our aim is to help people regain confidence, learn new skills and rebuild their independence in a stable and supportive environment.
This World Homeless Day, we’re proud to stand alongside Dean and everyone who has shown such strength in rebuilding their lives after homelessness.
Find out how you can support our work and help change lives.