In May 2020, Dylan was homeless, a drug user and had thoughts of suicide.
A die-hard Evertonian, when his life should have been ahead of him, it felt like it had already passed him by. 12 months on, his journey to turn his life around with the support of Everton in the Community is a story of determination, inspiration and enormous gratitude for those who helped him through the worst times.
Fast forward to the present day, Dylan is out of rehab one year clean. He has his own tenancy, undertaking a ‘Go Higher’ Foundation Degree, and is working with Everton in the Community to share his story to inspire others.
Everton’s ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is’ programme supports young people at risk of being homeless. They first became aware of the perils Dylan faced when a family member asked for help. At the time, Dylan had become homeless after the hostel he had been living in asked him to leave.
The charity supported Dylan take his first few steps on the road to recovery with weekly support over the phone and food vouchers, before the charity helped Dylan check into a Drug Rehabilitation Centre.
“This Club saved my life and I don’t think I could feel any closer to this Club. Without it, I don’t know where I would be” said Dylan to Everton TV.
“When you hit your rock bottom and you still want to live, you’ll do anything to speak to anybody and do what you’ve got to do to survive.
“Everton in the Community and its staff made me feel so safe, they were so compassionate and helpful.”
“Without Home Is Where The Heart Is, without Everton in the Community, there is no way I would have got through that period of my life.”
Watch an account of Dylan’s story through the man himself here, as he explains how Everton in the Community saved his life.”
On Friday 19 November, supporters from across the region will come together at Goodison Park for the Goodison Sleepout, which is raising funds Everton’s ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is’ programme, the life-saving programme which enabled Dylan to get his life back on track.
To take part and support the programme, or for more information, sign up here.
