Nathan's tale of demise built up over many months as he pushed himself to work impossibly long hours, using chemicals that affected his health, while his body fought chronic fatigue brought on by glandular fever.
Putting in 12 to 18-hour days, his marriage broke down and eventually his wife left with the children. He missed a health insurance payment while off work sick, so the company refused to pay out.
Restricted to a benefit, he had just $80 per week for the mortgage, food, power and to keep his car running. ACC wouldn't come to the party because his sickness was not considered an accident. All those elements compounded, with "soul destroying" consequences.
"I got this illness and was finally unable to work, I couldn't pay the mortgage, lost my house, didn't have any money to get a place because I couldn't afford the bond," he said.
"I didn't know enough people because I spent all my time working." Those he did know no longer invited him around often, out of concern he might outstay his welcome.
It was at this time Nathan began living in survival mode, concerned with finding food, a shower and a place to park up for the night. Without proper shelter it was difficult to focus energy on getting a job. "Working for myself for so long I didn't use a computer, I didn't have those job searching skills.
"You just need someone else to help you when you get down to that level of despair. You can't focus on things ... It was mostly summer but I had some freezing nights over the years."
The reality was cold and harsh, having brought in a $150,000 pay packet at the height of his career.
Salvation came when Kiri and Kevin Swannell noticed him hanging out in a carpark. They had previously provided him with a warming meal through their soup kitchen run out of Clive Square on Monday evenings, but other than that didn't know him.
The first step was finding temporary accommodation, before moving to a Housing NZ property where he could get back on his feet.
"It was only through the help of Kiri and Kevin. I don't know if I would be out of my car now if it wasn't for them. When you are living in your car it's day-by-day. All you can do is try to survive."
The downward spiral was not something a person could easily pull themselves out of. Even applying to WINZ was difficult when, "you don't know what you're entitled to".
"I would never judge anyone ever again. I wasn't that kind of person before anyway, I was always grateful for what I had even though I worked very hard for it."
With a place to call his own Nathan's hunt for work has stepped up, and the future looked a little brighter. He was able to have his children to stay and was actively seeking a better life for himself, though money was still tight on a $75 per week benefit.
He hoped potential employers would see him not for where he's been but who he is and what he has to offer - honesty, reliability and a strong work ethic.
It was after an unsuccessful meeting at Napier City Council that the Swannells decided to take a walk on the beach at Marine Parade, where Kevin first spotted Nathan in his car. They stayed in touch, and when Kiri saw he was really struggling she reached out again - putting the ball in his court.
"We get a lot of people who have not lived their whole lives in poverty. People that had it all can sometimes lose everything. They get trapped in the cycle," Ms Swannell says.
Part of "the cycle" was feeling as though nobody cares. It could lead those living on the street to turn to drugs and alcohol.
It is why the couple are launching Limitless Hope - an emergency shelter that aims to prevent families from ending up on the street, with the donation of Property Brokers former Hastings office as a base. With Hawke's Bay Today showing full support the project is helping to gather resources and supplies to make the dream a reality.
