Thanks to the efforts of a community, Aaron Duggas (left) has a home. Kim Ross (cen-tre), backed by Marcia Symonds and Ronnie Newell spearheaded the campaign to help the homeless man. Kathy Johnson photo
Community gives homeless man new beginning
A homeless Clark’s Harbour man has been given a new lease on life thanks to support and faith from the community.
Aaron Duggas has gone from living under a fish box and in a tent to a fully furnished apartment.
Duggas, 25, found himself homeless after being released from jail in August.
While some people initially poked fun at the situation on the local Hawk Road website, Kim Ross didn’t find it a laughing matter. Instead, she started a lobby effort to help the troubled man.
“This is a success story,� said Ross. “Every-body has pulled together and gave someone who has made mistakes in the past another chance.�
The first step, said Ross, was to get Duggas out of the fish box. With the donation of a tent from Marcia Symonds, his living conditions were improved but far from ideal, especially with winter approaching.
“We had to get him into an apartment,� said Ross.
With help from social services and numerous donations from the community, an apartment was found, fully furnished, and within 48 hours, Duggas had his first real home in several years.
“There was unbelievable support,� said Ross. “Everything we needed just kept coming in.�
Duggas moved in to his new home on September 29.
“You could see the transformation when he came here,� said Ross. “His shoulders straightened right up. It feels good to know that you helped someone off the street.�
Ross, along with Clark’s Harbour businessman Ronnie Newell are trustees for Duggas.
“We didn’t just put him in here and forget about him,� said Ross. “We’re going to be in his life.�
Now that Duggas has a roof over his head, Ross and Newell plan to assist him in other facets of his life.
All the help isn’t without some strings. “He has to hold up his end too,� said Newell. “He has to be good and stay out of trouble.�
This seemed just fine to Duggas, who is extremely grateful for the support, and somewhat shy.
“It’s great,� he said. “It’s a fresh start.�
Newell, who is managing Duggas’ financial affairs, said donations are being accepted to assist with Duggas’ upkeep for the time being.
“It’s a pretty good feel-ing to see him where he is,� said Newell. “Hopefully, this will make him a better person. He deserves a second chance.�
