A bodybuilder hailing from Trinidad and Tobago is homeless and in need of assistance.

According to Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, Evan Jackson, a fitness enthusiast and bodybuilding champion, finds himself homeless and in need of work after falling on hard times.

Jackson, who once competed in boxing, had decided to turn to bodybuilding in 2014. Since choosing to compete in bodybuilding, Jackson has won a number of bodybuilding tournaments. Jackson has won the Clinton Sammy Classic and at the Trinidad and Tobago Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation National Senior Championships. Yet, despite this success, now finds himself living on the streets.

The problem arose after his wife, Jeannine Clarke-Jackson, took ill from both sickle cell and pre-diagnosed lupus which racked up thousands of dollars in medical bills. This, coupled with Evan Jackson’s inability to secure full-time employment, led to the inability for the couple to pay rent. Eventually Evan found himself on the street while Jeannine stays with family.

Evan Jackson is now pleading with Minister of Sport Darryl Smith for assistance.

“I am trying to get myself across to Mr Darryl Smith. What I am here for is that instead of using somebody that is already popular (use me). This is me, make me the person that you want (Minister Smith),” Jackson said.

With his fitness and bodybuilding knowledge, Jackson has hoped to become a fitness trainer, but as of now has been unsuccessful in fulfilling that dream. Well regarded Trinidad and Tobago IFBB pro bodybuilder Darrem Charles gave Jackson a piece of advice.

“Darrem Charles gave me two words — stay focused. What I like about it (bodybuilding) is that it encourages me to live a better life.”

While Jackson desires to be a fitness trainer, he lacks the credentials to allow him to pursue his dreams. He is hoping to be sponsored in order to get the certificates needed to become a trainer and change his life. While enduring bullying and teasing throughout his life, Jackson decided to make a change and hoped that bodybuilding would offer him the opportunity to bring positivity into his life.

Evan’s wife Jeannine Clarke-Jackson, who is self-employed as a make up artist, echoed that very sentiment.

“One of the reasons why he entered bodybuilding is because he used to be teased in school.

“Even as he got into adulthood, people on the road that knew him use to tease him. He has a speech issue and he stammers a lot and people use to tease him because of that and he decided to go to the gym.”

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