Stepping back into life - A new role for Rob Holt
Four years ago, Rob Holt was homeless, battling alcohol addiction and in desperate need of help when he walked into the Wayside Chapel in Kings Cross. Last week, following his transition from visitor to volunteer, Rob joined the staff of Wayside in the role of community educator.
As part of the new role, Rob (pictured) will raise awareness about Wayside and the issues facing its visitors through the delivery of an education program to corporate groups, schools, community organisations, and the general public.
"I'm very fortunate that I'm able to use my experience of living on the streets in a positive way" Rob Holt
Rob has come a long way since he first walked through Wayside's doors. With the support of the Wayside community, he turned his alcohol addiction around and became a valued Wayside volunteer. He volunteered on the 'front desk', welcoming visitors needing showers, clean clothes, help in finding a bed for the night, or simply looking for someone to talk to.
Rob said he is honoured to now be officially joining the Wayside staff.
"I am so humbled and I feel incredibly privileged to be raising awareness about Wayside's mission. I can't wait to start sharing my passion for creating community," said Rob.
Rob is most excited about growing Rob's Tours, an initiative launched last year to increase awareness and compassion for those doing it tough on the streets.
Rob's story is not just about overcoming addiction. It's a story that shows how vulnerable ALL people are to addiction, homelessness and mental illness.
The tour is unlike any found in guidebooks. Rob draws on his lived experience of homelessness and addiction as he takes people around Kings Cross, Darlinghurst and Woolloomooloo. Highlights (or lowlights) along the way include the places where he slept, the hiding spot where he used to make homebrew, the street where he attempted to take his life, and the café where he had his 'turnaround' moment.
Rob's story is not just about overcoming addiction. It's a story that shows how vulnerable ALL people are to addiction, homelessness and mental illness, and that overcoming these issues - stepping back into life - is near impossible without the love and support of others; without community.
"It's so easy to walk past a person sleeping on the street without a sideways glance or a moment's consideration of how they might have ended up homeless ... I'm very fortunate that I'm able to use my experience of living on the streets in a positive way. It makes me feel good to talk to people about what I went through and to help them to be more compassionate to all people, not just homeless people. I feel like I'm making a little contribution in my own way," said Rob.
To find out more about Wayside's corporate education/group volunteering program visit The Wayside Chapel. To book in for one of Rob's (after-hours) Tours visit here.
