He was 'chronically homeless'. Now Michael Apanui has a home and a job

How can people thumbs down this article? Its a good news story. Michael has had a tough life, and I wish him every success for the future.

Good luck to him.Hed be a good living-by-example to do peer support.Id like to see a follow-up story in a year or so, to see how hes gotten on. :-)

Hey Michael, I know this should make no difference but I am a 54 male pakeha who works as a rehab support worker in mental health. You, my friend are an inspiration!

Excellent feature Stuff. NZ sure needs this programme duplicated a 100x.

Losing your family was tough Michael. All the best for the future. You can definitely inspire others to move forward from similar backgrounds. You inspire me. Thanks.

Good luck and keep it up Michael :-)

Excellent news when nz helps its own - well done stuff

Congratulations on your new home Michael. I hope it is a turning point for you, there are people who care and want to help in this world. Good on you for taking the steps you have, I imagine that would have been unimaginably tough for you. Kia kaha, God bless.

Mate -I remember you! About this time last year, my daughter and I were walking along from Burger Fuel to where our car was parked and you and a mate were playing a Uke and a guitar. You liked my Pink Floyd t-shirt and we had a bloody good conversation about Christchurch, the quakes, where we were from and you shared a lot about how youd ended up on the streets. We were visitors to Christchurch and had no idea how bad the city still was, nor how many people were still without a home. We gave you what little change we had - only about four dollars - and walked away with a totally different view on homelessness and how ones life can be totally changed by one event. Mate - you inspired my eldest and I am so glad to see that karma has caught up with you and your days of sleeping in doorways is over. You deserve that second chance. All the very best of health and happiness to you.

Well said, Maccy. Just trying to get my head â˜round someone actually disliking anything in your comment.... just bizarre.

Who are these people giving thumbs down ? What a heart warming story - very positive for this chap .

Beautiful story, thank you to all involved.

Go Michael and good luck for your future.

Great outcome, love the please take your shoes off sign at the door, shows he has real pride in his house. He is an inspiration to many homeless people to get off the streets, get a job, a house and start to enjoy life again.

My guess is people with no idea of the impact rough childhoods and tragedy can have on a person ... Or just those that lack empathy

best of luck buddy ! its up to you.

What miserable existences the thumbs downers must lead. Well done Michael.

So sorry that you lost your family. Its inspiring that you had the strength and courage to get to where you are now. Anyone who has faced hardship in their life knows how tough that is ❤. Youre an inspiration and I hope you are able to help others to get to where you are now.

Keep it up Michael! And well done looking after your home so well. A proud man.

Congratulations Michael! The odds were stacked against you, and you have defied them. I wish you all the best. Its important people hear the stories behind the homelessness. This is never a life somebody would choose for themselves. It is often bought on by tradegy, hardship and a lack of support.Affordable housing urgently needs addressing in this country, in order to eradicate poverty and homelessness. Schemes like this are a definite step in the right direction.