After Robert’s wife passed away, he went through an extremely difficult time. He had to leave the flat they had shared together, as his step-daughter did not want him to continue living there. His situation became even more complicated when he lost his job in the construction industry, which he had always loved and found fulfilling. With no support and no loved ones to turn to, he found himself sleeping on the streets.
In his most difficult moments, he used alcohol to escape from reality. His mental state worsened, and he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Although this period was challenging, the treatment helped him, and he began to abstain from alcohol.
Now, he sleeps at Depaul Slovakia’s St Vincent de Paul night shelter, where he has found hope and a positive outlook on life again. Thanks to the support of the night shelter team, he feels accepted and secure.
Robert is now actively looking for a job that will help him to secure his finances and become independent. “It strengthens me to see that people around me are living in an orderly and happy way,” he says. Depaul Slovakia will continue supporting Robert and hopes to one day provide him with a home through their Housing Integration programme.