Homeless man lost everything while looking after sick dad — he made a cardboard sign that brought his life back on track

The economy and other unprecedented factors can tear a person down financially. Homelessness has unfortunately become an integral part of many countries. Statistics from Our World in Data revealed that in more than half of the world’s countries, 100 in every 100,000 of the population are homeless. Mark Hamblin, from Bridgwater, Somerset, was suffering a similar plight after losing his job while caring for his father, per BBC News. Forced to resort to homelessness, he refused to give up and made a unique sign to request help. The community was touched and inspired by Hamblin’s determination and came together to help and make him a viral example of perseverance. 

The number of homeless people, referring to those living in temporary shelters or homes, is the highest in the United Kingdom, according to statistics. As for the highest number of people living on the streets, Czechia comes first, followed by the United States. Hamblin was one of these helpless people, trying hard to make it in the real world. Initially, he was self-employed as a roofer. Unfortunately, when his dad got sick, he put a pause on everything to look after him and his life turned upside down. Having no job, he wasn’t able to get any benefits as he was self-employed. 

“I never thought I’d be here. Sitting on the streets, asking for money, it's hard, it's humbling,” he said, per BBC Somerset. "Lots of factors contribute to this (homelessness)—a lack of social housing, high rents and lots of issues with shared accommodation,” Samantha Parr, an employee at a homeless charity named Arc, said. "We do what we can to help people,” she added. Hamblin was forced to live in a van and try his best to make things work. He then did what any other homeless person would do. He chose to make a cardboard sign to request the community for help. The striking difference is that he didn’t make a regular sign. Hamblin was not interested in begging or borrowing. He didn’t want any money. He wanted a job. 

Hamblin was determined to get back on his feet and continue to work hard. Instead of making a sign requesting money, he made a rough resume out of cardboard. It revealed all the honest conditions, with his qualities, skills and profession. It read, “Homeless. Work wanted. Roofer by trade, but can do most things. Odd jobs welcome.” Hamblin also jotted down his qualities as a “reliable, trustworthy and hardworking” man. He also shared his name and contact details on the sign. His determination and passionate resume made all the difference. The community stepped up most generously and shared this resume on Facebook.

Several offerings of different kinds flooded Hamblin's phone. He reportedly received over 500 messages, consisting of encouragement, commendations and even job offers. "I'm absolutely overwhelmed by the amount of replies I've had," Hamblin remarked. To his luck, all of this community effort helped him land a job at a local roofing company. "It's encouragement from people who don't know me from Adam, but have kind words to say," he said. Hamblin is back at doing what he does best and has hopeful ventures ahead of him — all because he didn’t give up.