Charlotte Ellis and her boyfriend Taylor Waldon had only gone out to enjoy a few quiet drinks — they never expected to change a kind man’s life.
On January 4th, the couple were returning to Essex from London, but had missed their train, The weather was bitterly cold, and the next train wasn’t for four hours.
As they shivered at the station, a homeless man offered his coat and duvet to the couple to stay warm. He introduced himself as Joey, and Charlotte says she “jumped straight under the duvet” while Taylor gave her “the look”.
“After Taylor and I sat with Joey waiting for our train, there was just something about him that was so sincere, I couldn’t leave him out there on his own,” explained Charlotte.
Charlotte then asked Joey to stay the night with the couple at Charlotte’s mom’s house, complete with a shave, shower, and a hot meal.
“No one deserves to be out in those conditions. I’m not saying you should trust everyone you meet on a street corner, but who exactly should you trust?”
Joey took some persuading, but eventually he agreed to go home with Charlotte and Taylor.
“We drank some more, we talked for hours, we exchanged life stories and instantly became the best of friends,” said Charlotte, “It’s something I can’t even explain, it was just meant to be.”
“Before the night was over, before Joey has his first night in a bed, Joey offers the coat on his back as a token gift to my boyfriend as thanks, as a token of his appreciation.”
“In my eyes, this gift has such a powerful meaning behind it — more than any other gift you could ever receive.”
Charlotte has since introduced Joey to her friends and family, who have welcomed him into the fold. He’s since had a haircut, been given new clothes, and has found a job in the area.
“All he needed was someone to have faith in him and to help be that stepping stone to make a difference to someone’s life. Joey is the most amazing, caring, and incredible human that we have ever met.”
“I’m so blessed to have been a part of getting him off the streets.”