Times not so tough anymore for Lewis Kearney

It wasn't long ago that LewisKearney had very few options when it came to satisfying his hunger Kraft Dinner or sardines.

His desperate situation landed him in front of a judge this past summer, with his life literally tumbling down a flight of stairs outside of provincial court in St. John's.

• Lewis Kearney stole food because he can't afford to buy it

The resulting media coverage of his plight sparked an outpouring of generosity and compassion, and Kearney's circumstances are much improved these days.

There's plenty of healthy food choicesin a donated freezer, and the countless gift cards he received means that freezer will be filled for months to come.

"I've never been happier," Kearney told Here and Now.

Hungry for solid food

Faced with the difficult choice of paying his utilitybills or going hungry, Kearneyattempted to steal $40 worth of meatfrom a grocery store, but was caught by a security guard.

Following a court appearance in August, Kearney, who has mobility issues, fell down an escalator at Atlantic Place.

The incident attracted the attention of the media, and Kearney's predicament was shared far and wide.

The response was overwhelming, and the generosity continues.

"The amount of groceries that were given to me were overwhelming. I expect I got enough for sure this winter. Maybe next year, too. It's amazing the charity of the people of Newfoundland. The hearts."

Dealing with depression

Kearneyis unemployed and relies on income support.He said a suicide attempt left himparalyzed on one side of his body, and he suffers from depression.

"I had no confidence in myself. I didn't care from day to day what really happened to me. Most of the time when I was down, I often contemplated suicide," he said.

Kearney said he felt great shame and guilt during his brush with the law, but is now prepared to "stand up and fight" for his health and well-being.

The outpouring of kindness has turned his life around, and he's starting to catch up on some of his bills.

"I used to use credit cards to buy groceries so I ran them up pretty high and I'm getting a chance to pay them back now," he said.

Looking for a job

All the generosity makes Kearney want to pay it forward.

"When I go shopping with a gift card I wonder about the kind heart behind that card that gave it to me as I'm picking up something to eat. I stop and wonder. And I find myself if I have any extra money, I'm wanting to give."

Now that he doesn't have to worry about where his next meal will come from, he's focusedon finding a job.

Kearney said his Christmas wish is that the government approve funding for him to continue his education.

He said he has a sociologydegree from Memorial University, and wants to earn a social work degree.

As for Christmas plans, Kearneylooks forward to staying home and cooking some meals.

He's also hoping to see his brothers in Carbonear.

"It's comforting that at the end of the day you can come home to a meal," he said.