This heartbreaking photo of an elderly man being battered by Storm Emma moved an entire community to take action.
The image of the frail OAP huddled up in blankets with his trolley full of his belongings has led to him being moved off the streets after it was shared on Facebook.
The unnamed man, who is believed to be in his 70s, was spotted by a passer-by outside a Tesco in Erdington, Birmingham, sheltering from the blizzards and sub zero temperatures.
Jo Bialan posted the picture online and said: “Never in a million years when giving out clothes did I think I would come across this - OMG.
“He’s been there all night and I’ve given him stuff and hot coffee to keep his hands warm. Surprisingly said, for now he is OK.
“Please share this - Tesco’s Erdington High Street, have gone to work crying, phone calls to make, this guy is in his 70s (sic).
“Birmingham City Council, Age Concern, Theresa May - god help this country.”
After seeing the photo, shoppers and Erdington residents joined forces to help the man off the street, reports Birmingham Mail .
The image of the frail OAP huddled up in blankets with his trolley full of his belongings has led to him being moved off the streets after it was shared on Facebook.
The unnamed man, who is believed to be in his 70s, was spotted by a passer-by outside a Tesco in Erdington, Birmingham, sheltering from the blizzards and sub zero temperatures.
Jo Bialan posted the picture online and said: “Never in a million years when giving out clothes did I think I would come across this - OMG.
“He’s been there all night and I’ve given him stuff and hot coffee to keep his hands warm. Surprisingly said, for now he is OK.
“Please share this - Tesco’s Erdington High Street, have gone to work crying, phone calls to make, this guy is in his 70s (sic).
“Birmingham City Council, Age Concern, Theresa May - god help this country.”
After seeing the photo, shoppers and Erdington residents joined forces to help the man off the street, reports Birmingham Mail .
They lobbied the local MP, Jack Dromey, the city council and charities to get him a roof over his head.
Birmingham Homeless Support Team (BHST) said it was persistence by local residents which resulted in him being found accommodation.
BHST tweeted on Wednesday that there was a happy ending and the man now had a roof over his head.
They wrote: “We are getting a lot of messages on Facebook and twitter regarding the elderly chap in Erdington.
“We understand your concern and it’s great to see so many people wanting to help out. But this chap is now in temporary accommodation and is off the streets.
“Angela, a local resident, has been helping the chap out all day by contacting the local authorities and basically telling them it’s not on.
“Obviously they listened to Angela and helped him out.”
Meanwhile, residents in other parts of Birmingham are also trying to help their local rough sleepers.
Dean Brennan tweeted: “My wife called @Tell_StreetLink this morning as she was worried about a homeless man in Kings Heath and they are sending someone out to help him.
"It’s utterly heartbreaking that people are in such a dangerous position and it’s everybody’s responsibility to help.”
Birmingham Homeless Support Team (BHST) said it was persistence by local residents which resulted in him being found accommodation.
BHST tweeted on Wednesday that there was a happy ending and the man now had a roof over his head.
They wrote: “We are getting a lot of messages on Facebook and twitter regarding the elderly chap in Erdington.
“We understand your concern and it’s great to see so many people wanting to help out. But this chap is now in temporary accommodation and is off the streets.
“Angela, a local resident, has been helping the chap out all day by contacting the local authorities and basically telling them it’s not on.
“Obviously they listened to Angela and helped him out.”
Meanwhile, residents in other parts of Birmingham are also trying to help their local rough sleepers.
Dean Brennan tweeted: “My wife called @Tell_StreetLink this morning as she was worried about a homeless man in Kings Heath and they are sending someone out to help him.
"It’s utterly heartbreaking that people are in such a dangerous position and it’s everybody’s responsibility to help.”
