An Everton fan who took part in Everton in the Community’s final Goodison Sleepout has shared how the experience inspired him to open his home to his late friend’s son, helping him through a difficult period following the loss of his father.
Matt first signed up for the Goodison Sleepout in 2024 alongside his close friend Mike. However, shortly afterwards, Mike received his third and final throat cancer diagnosis and was unable to attend. He sadly passed away not long afterwards.
Mike’s son Josh had spent much of his 20s caring for his father full-time, relying on the benefits he received as a carer to support himself. Following his dad’s death, Josh was left without an income, somewhere to live or a clear idea of what the future held.
Matt said:
“When his dad died, he was just cast aside. His family weren’t able to take him in.
“He didn’t have anywhere to go. He had been his dad’s shadow and best friend, and he was suddenly thrown into a complete unknown.
“He didn’t really understand how life works. If you asked him about cancer support, he knows his stuff. But how do you cancel bills and all that stuff? That’s not something you typically learn as a full-time carer.”
Attending the Goodison Sleepout proved to be a turning point for Matt, who described what he learned about homelessness and the support available as a “revelation”.
He went on to take part in the first Stadium Sleepout at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium the following year.
Matt explained:
“Homelessness isn’t just being on the streets. It’s also the sofa surfing and the hidden bits we don’t get to see.
“What Everton in the Community do isn’t just ‘here’s the house’, it’s all the stuff behind the scenes too. It’s just brilliant.”
Everton in the Community supporting young people facing homelessness
Everton in the Community’s Home Is Where The Heart Is (HIWTHI) programme supports young people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, providing a safe environment and tailored assistance to help them build independent lives.
The programme includes access to a residential property in the heart of L4, alongside practical support with finances, mental health and wellbeing.
After hearing from the HIWTHI team and young people who had benefited from the programme, Matt began to understand the challenges Josh could face without a stable home or support network.
Determined to help, he offered Josh his spare room.
Several months after losing his father, Josh accepted the offer and moved in with Matt and his family, staying with them for five months.
Although providing a safe place to stay was an important first step, Matt soon realised that helping someone facing homelessness involved much more than simply offering accommodation.
He said:
“It’s not just about putting people up for a bit, it’s all of the stuff that I had underestimated or hadn’t prepared for – the mental health support, the proactiveness, knowing how to address things in the right way.
“It is possible for someone to offer up a room for a little bit but that’s just a fraction of what someone in that scenario needs.”
Emotional reunion at Everton’s Stadium Sleepout
Josh has since moved into his own property close to Matt’s home, where he now lives with his cats.
The pair returned to Hill Dickinson Stadium together on 2 October 2026 to take part in Everton in the Community’s Stadium Sleepout, marking the event’s 10th anniversary.
For Matt, sharing the experience with Josh was an emotional moment, particularly given everything they had been through since Mike’s passing.
Reflecting on the night, Matt said:
“It was nice to give him a hug out in the stands under the screen and just tell him I’ve got his back and he’s a good lad.”
Funds raised through this year’s Stadium Sleepout will support Everton in the Community’s Home Is Where The Heart Is programme, helping more young people experiencing homelessness across the Liverpool City Region access accommodation and essential support.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the fundraising campaign can donate through the Everton in the Community Stadium Sleepout JustGiving page.
For more information about fundraising opportunities, including running events and challenges, email fundraising@evertonfc.com or visit the Everton in the Community website.
