A single social media post changed the life of a former Stratford man who struggled with homelessness for decades.
Tobi Lawrence grew up in the foster care system, and for much of his adult life, has lived through homelessness.
“I’d get a job, but then something would happen and I’m back to being homeless, I’d get a girlfriend, a place to stay, then something bad happened, back to being homeless. The most recent time was a year, living on the street,” Lawrence told MyStratfordNow.
Lawrence posted on Facebook last September, joking about living in a tent in London’s Evergreen Park for his 46th birthday.
This caught the attention of former high school classmate Kelly McGarrell, a volunteer and board member with the Multicultural Association of Perth-Huron.
The two reconnected over coffee between late-November and December in London. It was an emotional experience for McGarrell.
“I realized when I was driving home I could not stop crying and it was because he was a classmate, one of our own.”
McGarrell called Geza Wordofa, a Stratford city councillor, immediately after meeting with Tobi.
The three would meet a few days later in Stratford to figure out how to help Tobi.
Kelly opened her home to Tobi in Thorndale and he’s been living there since December.
Tobi said for the first three weeks, he would mostly sleep to recover from spending every waking moment worrying about whether he would eat, be safe, if he’d get hurt or if someone would take him in, just to kick him out.
“It took me a good five, 10 days at least to just realize I was in a safe place and that I didn’t have to worry about those things, and a part of my mind did shut down, and I finally took a breath. That’s when I really started to recover.”
Since living with Kelly, Tobi has found work as a brake press operator, got his full driver’s license, bought his own car, and re-connected with his kids, who live in the Festival City.
Tobi has also been volunteering for the association, helping out the homeless.
He calls this year the best one of his life so far.
Wordofa, the founder of the Multicultural Association of Perth-Huron, called Tobi a good example for other homeless people.
“We’re so lucky to help him out.”
Tobi will soon move to his own place in Stratford, and will continue helping out those in need.
