Doreen community rally behind homeless man living inside a truck

After the Leader revealed a homeless man had been living inside a truck in Doreen for four years and been targeted by vandals, there was an outpouring of support. Now the community has banded together to help the rough sleeper move to a safe location.

Anthony's truck was parked in a Doreen residential estate for four years, before the community rallied and helped tow his truck to a safer location.

A community has rallied to help a homeless man living inside his truck in Doreen after the Diamond Valley Leader revealed the rough sleeper was being targeted by vandals.

Anthony, who did not wish to disclose his last name, told the Leader in May he felt under siege by vandals who were verbally abusing him, hurling rocks, spray painting offensive language and even threatening to blow up his mobile home.

Vandals have shattered the windscreen of Anthony’s truck.

The man, who is in his 30s, had been living inside the truck for four years after being kicked out of home by his family due to personal reasons.

But Doreen residents organised a Gofundme page and raised a total of $270 to help Anthony tow his truck to safety on Wednesday.

“I really appreciate the gesture — It was very caring and considerate of them,” Anthony said.

“I didn’t think I would be able to tow it in the end, but I managed it.”

Anthony’s truck was towed to a property in Doreen, after the landowner agreed — the truck was previously parked on the side of a road in a Doreen residential estate.

Anthony told the Leader he used “his last dollar” on the truck, hoping he could use it for work and living purposes.

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But he said he needed to pay $15,000 to get the Queensland vehicle roadworthy in Victoria — money he did not have.

While parked in the residential estate vandals had targeted the truck about 20 times, causing him to fork out $2000 on repairs and security.

“Now I’m safe and away from vandals and I am really thankful for that,” Anthony said.

“I just moved yesterday, so once I settle down again I can start to plan how I can get back on my feet.”

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