Kortrijk, Belgium – A 47-year-old man named Andy, who has been living in a tent along the Leie river in Bavikhove since this summer, will soon have a roof over his head. The unexpected offer came from Rino Vanoverbeke, a longtime friend, after he read a report about Andy’s situation early this week.
A Friend’s Generosity Offers Hope
A decades-long friendship spurred a quick response to Andy’s housing need, demonstrating the power of community support.
“It is not possible that Andy has to live in a tent along the Leie,” Vanoverbeke, 51, stated. He explained he immediately began searching for Andy after seeing the report. “I called everywhere trying to find Andy. I want to help him.”
Andy, who deliberately chose to become homeless after a nervous breakdown six months ago, had been finding solace in nature. “After I had a nervous breakdown, I decided to do things differently,” he explained during an interview at vzw De Kier. “Before that, I had lived in debt mediation for years. Look, I am a nature person and I need that. Every day I walk 20 to 30 kilometers. I have taught myself to deal with the cold. I no longer have to survive – I live again.”
Vanoverbeke is arranging a living unit measuring 6.5 by 3 meters, complete with a bed, cupboard, and electricity. “I arrange a bed, a cupboard and electricity,” he said. “For my job, I help people in need every day. We place such units for refugees in the asylum centers of Tournai and Ypres. Why wouldn’t I help my old friend?”
Andy expressed his gratitude, calling the offer “a miracle.” “This will improve my situation incredibly,” he said. “Ever since I became homeless, I dreamed of living in a motorhome. This is a motorhome without wheels, so it’s my dream come true!” He and Vanoverbeke connected over coffee to finalize the plans.
The Search for a Location
While the living unit is secured, a suitable location is still needed. Andy currently resides in a tent in Bavikhove along the Leie and hopes to remain in that area. “Now I live in a tent in Bavikhove along the Leie,” Andy said. “I don’t want to leave that environment. That’s where I found myself after a difficult period.”
Volunteer Gilda Schaerlaeckens, speaking last Monday at vzw De Kier, offered a hopeful sentiment: “Believe me, there is still a lot of goodness in the world.”
- Andy, 47, will receive a furnished living unit after being homeless since this summer.
- The offer came from Rino Vanoverbeke, a friend who read about Andy’s situation in a report.
- Andy chose homelessness after a nervous breakdown, seeking solace in nature.
- A location for the living unit is still being sought, with Andy hoping to stay near the Leie river.
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