A previously homeless man has told how a charity got him back on his feet after he was sleeping rough.

Miro Rohac, 52, lost his job during the pandemic and was on the streets for three months.

He turned to Emmaus Dover knowing only 30 words of English.

Now he has a home and is learning the language in full.

Mr Rohac, from Slovakia, said: “The Covid-19 situation was a big problem for me. I am asthmatic, so working with a mask on was not possible and I lost my job.

"I had been living on the streets for about three months when I found out about Emmaus Dover.

“The staff at Emmaus understood my problem and knew how to support me.

"Now I can look after my asthma, I’m learning English, and I get to help people. Emmaus Dover has given me a home and the chance to start a new life.”

Mr Rohac was one a pair getting a roof over his head for two years from two donations totalling nearly £36,000.

Emmaus Dover, at Archcliffe Road, got exactly £35,918 in combined funding from Nationwide’s Community Grants Programme and Kent Community Foundation

It provides a home, day-to-day support, funded training and work experience for up to 27 people who have suffered homelessness and social exclusion – known as companions.

This includes all meals, heating, lighting, water, Wi-Fi and council tax, as well as training, education, qualifications, counselling and support staff.

The grants also help fund a range of benefits, including a monthly allowance, holiday pay and a lump sum payment if the companion chooses to move on.

The Nationwide building society donated £25,918 towards the grant.

Hannah Golding, branch manager at Dover, added: “We believe that everyone should have a place to call home.

“The valuable work that they do at Emmaus Dover is truly inspiring and we are so pleased to be continuing to work with the team and companions in the future.”

If you want to help, visit the website emmaus.org.uk/dover to find out how you can get involved.

Read more: All the latest news from Dover