A 65-year-old man has been left homeless after he gave up his flat to be a live-in carer for a lady who died days earlier than beginning the job.
Gary Evans gave up his non-public rental flat of 13 years for a brand new job as a live-in carer in October 2023, however his plans fell by when the girl he was on account of look after died simply earlier than he was set to begin work.
He burned by his minimal financial savings of £500 in a matter of weeks after staying in motels and with mates whereas he tried to search out different lodging.
Having labored his entire life, Gary left his job full-time as a prepare dinner in a care house after he struggled to get better totally from lengthy covid earlier than discovering a part-time function at an amusement park the place he earns between £200 and £700 a month.
However Gary stated this merely is not sufficient to lease a brand new place, which means he has been pressured to spend his nights on the streets, which he says is ‘chilly and scary’, including that a few of his mates have even stopped speaking to him.
Gary Evans, 65, has been left homeless after he gave up his flat to be a live-in carer for a lady who died days earlier than beginning the job
Gary is pictured sitting on a bench in Ramsgate the place he has spent the final six weeks sleeping on the seafront
Gary (pictured earlier than he was homeless) gave up his non-public rental flat of 13 years for a brand new job as a live-in carer however his plans fell by when the girl he was on account of look after died
For the final six weeks Gary has been sleeping on the seafront at Ramsgate, Kent.
Between work, he spends his days within the library making use of for jobs and in Wetherspoon consuming free-refill espresso.
He stated: ‘I am nonetheless shocked at how rapidly issues fell aside for me and I ended up homeless.
‘It is true what they are saying about everybody solely being two pay cheques away from poverty. You assume it would by no means occur to you however it will probably so simply occur to any one among us.
‘I’ve at all times labored onerous and paid my taxes and nationwide insurance coverage. I assumed I might at all times be secure and safe.
‘Out of the blue I had no place to dwell, no cash and no assist. There’s solely so lengthy you may stick with mates or borrow cash.
‘Sleeping tough may be very scary. I have been woken by a hand on my shoulder and somebody telling me “you are on my patch”.
‘It is chilly, and scary, and I hardly ever sleep. I fall asleep a bit then get up all of a sudden and really alert – it is horrible.
Gary earns between £200 and £700 a month from his amusement park job, relying on the season, with as much as £393 common credit score, within the decrease months
Gary takes a suitcase of necessities round with him wherever he goes and is at present utilizing his time to seek for jobs
‘After I see the lights on in individuals’s homes it jogs my memory that after that was me, and now I am on the opposite facet.
‘It is heartbreaking. I placed on a cheerful face at work, however I do know on the finish of the day I’ve to depart and haven’t any secure place to sleep.’
Gary stopped working full-time as a prepare dinner in a care house after he struggled to get better totally from lengthy covid – which he had for a 12 months from November 2021, he stated.
He had pneumonia in each lungs and was in hospital for per week, he stated, so could not return to working 200-hour months.
He took a part-time place within the ticket workplace and store at an amusement park, the place he nonetheless works between 8 and 25 hours a month.
He additionally receives as much as £393 in common credit score as a result of his job is seasonal.
After changing into homeless, Gary requested Thanet District Council for assist getting a brand new house, in January, however was instructed they could not, he stated.
A few of his belongings are in 4 suitcases saved at mates’ homes and he takes one other bag of necessities round with him.
Gary is seen right here earlier than he was homeless. The 65-year-old now spends his days within the library making use of for jobs and in Wetherspoon consuming free-refill espresso
He stated: ‘I nonetheless cannot actually perceive how this has occurred to me. I do know it has however someplace in my thoughts I can not fairly settle for it.
‘I do know it is momentary. I’ll get one other job and a house and get myself out of this example – I am not giving up.
‘It is simply very onerous. All over the place is so costly. Everybody wants a deposit. I bought the deposit again once I left my flat however I wanted that to dwell.
‘There’s simply nothing out there in the meanwhile and much do not take people who find themselves on advantages.
‘I suppose I really feel a bit unhappy and resentful that the council can not help me. I really feel like they need to be there for everybody.’
Gary stated he is met some very type individuals and had some fascinating experiences – together with recognizing wildlife like beavers and foxes.
‘I’ve seen essentially the most stunning sunrises and sunsets,’ he stated. However he has additionally seen ‘the very best and worst of human nature.’
‘Some individuals offer you all of the change they must get some meals, though I do not ask, and a few cafes ask you to depart as quickly as you are completed along with your tea though they don’t seem to be busy.
‘The saddest factor is the chums that do not communicate to me anymore once I cellphone for a chat. When individuals ask I say I am not homeless, I say “I am ready for a raise”.’
Thanet District Council has been approached for remark.
Man is left homeless at 65 after he gave up his flat to be a live-in carer for a lady who died simply earlier than he was on account of begin the job
