When Peruvian Daniel Cortez arrived in Australia on March 3 with a working holiday visa, he could never imagine that, after losing his job, he would end up starving and living in his car for six weeks.
Desperation pushed him to seek help by visiting the Addison Road Community Centre in Sydney’s inner west, a facility providing food and other essentials to people affected by the pandemic.
It was there that his situation took a radical turn when he met SBS sports analyst Craig Foster, who decided to welcome the Peruvian into his home.
“I met this wonderful person, Craig Foster, who heard my case, I told him everything that had happened, every night without eating, and thanks to him I now have at least a place to sleep and also something to eat every day, the truth that they are wonderful people,” Cortez said.
Cortez's story can be compared to that of thousands of international students and temporary visa holders who were left without a livelihood and without the possibility of returning home due to restrictions and border closures.
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The 24-year-old environmental engineer had been working as a forklift operator for a week in a Newcastle warehouse before coronavirus restrictions forced the business to close its doors.
After being retrenched, he travelled to Sydney with the intention of seeking other opportunities.
Failing to find another job, he ended up living in his car, in the vicinity of Parramatta station, in Sydney’s west.
"Those nights that I went through those terrible situations I remained optimistic, I thought that this bad situation was going to end and that it was a bad dream, but with the passing of days the situation worsened and became more difficult."
On many nights he had nothing to eat.
“I got to a point where I said to myself, I need to ask for help, I had not eaten for several days and I felt too weak, and I started searching on social media where I could find free food, shelter or something, and that was when I found Addison Road.”
A crucial meeting for Daniel
The two men met at the community centre, where the ex-Socceroo works as a volunteer. The centre’s coordinator, Rosana Barbero had told him about Cortez's situation.
“I sat next to him and asked him what was going on. Then I saw that the need was becoming chronic and urgent," Foster explained.
“I realised how deeply traumatised he was by it. He was silent, he wasn't sure, he didn't know whether or not to tell his story, he was clearly sorry. And we said, Daniel, there is nothing to be ashamed of. It is not your fault, it is our fault. We are the ones who should be taking care of you. Our country should be taking care of you."
Cortez spent a few days living with Foster’s family, and sports quickly became a point of connection between them.
“We were talking about football, he is a Latin American kid, so he is part of the family. He did not know that I had been a Socceroos player.”
Foster and the rest of the community aid network members managed to raise money for Cortez and found him accommodation.
"There were several options, but I said, stay close to my house if anything happens, you know you can come here and you can come to dinner every night," Foster said.
"We will help you get up, get a job, studies if necessary. You are part of the family, and by family, I don't mean a passing family, but part of the broader family that is the community.”
Cortez managed to secure a job as a cleaner and painter, and the Peruvian government has also provided him with financial aid.
He hopes to eventually complete his studies in Australia and find a permanent job.
He never thought he could see himself in such a situation.
“To be honest, I never imagined in my life that I was going to go through something as hard as this, and it really is an experience that, beyond all the difficulties it has been, is inspiring and has made me believe that despite these bad situations, there are good people who are willing to help many people.”
He does not hesitate to send a message of encouragement to those who may find themselves in a situation like his.
“Do not wait until the last minute as I did, I was on the verge of collapse and had not eaten for many days. Seek help, there are people who are willing to help you. Stay strong and follow your dreams.”
