In the latest in our series of articles on the effects of the economic downturn reporter Emma Walker looks at the problems of homelessness and hears calls for a shelter to be built in the area for those reduced to sleeping rough

A FORMER homeless man who slept rough in the Weymouth area has spoken out about his ordeal.

The 22-year-old, who does not want to be named, says more awareness is needed for the increasing numbers of people struggling financially and facing poverty and homelessness.

He said there is desperate need for a homeless shelter in the local area and for more understanding from people who stigmatise those who are forced to sleep rough.

The ex-veteran said his life ‘took a turn for the worse’ when he returned to Weymouth and later lost his job and then his home.

He added: “It was a downward spiral of events after I lost my job because I couldn’t afford rent and got kicked out of my home in Weymouth.

“The benefit system was so slow that my claim wasn’t processed quickly enough and I had to face the streets.

“I was sleeping here, there and everywhere, mostly setting up shelters in the local woods such as Puddletown and Wyke.”

It comes as local action groups revealed that the number of people and families in need – even for basic food – was really increasing.

They claim that the situation is only set to get worse after a major shake-up of the benefits system began this month.

The former soldier told the Echo that despite having family living nearby, he felt that he could not turn to them.

He said: “I suppose pride got in the way, none of my family knew anything about it.

“I went from having a comfortable life to having nothing at all.

“Sleeping rough was tough but I’ve got a good sleeping bag and I know how to look after myself.”

After joining the Army at the age of 18, the Yeovil-born man was arrested for going AWOL in 2010.

He later moved to Weymouth, found a job nearby and moved into a shared house with a friend before his life spiralled out of control.

He said: “The Job Centre found me a job before I was kicked out of my home but it was in Bourne-mouth for 16 hours a week and would have cost me most of my wages to travel there and back.

“Even when I was homeless I carried on looking but even if I managed to get an interview as soon as I told them I had no address my application was automatically dismissed.”

The former soldier said that despite bidding for council houses and visiting the Job Centre frequently, he felt there was not much help there for him.

“I didn’t visit the soup kitchens or mix with other homeless people because I am very independent and was worried about getting in with the wrong crowd.

“I felt that because I didn’t have a drug or drink problem and because I was aged under 25 that there wasn’t much help for me.”

He added: “I want people to know that ordinary people are struggling.

“There is desperate need for a homeless shelter in this area – I would have really benefited from one.”

The 22-year-old, who is now living at Alabare’s Weymouth Home for veterans, said: “I am on the road to recovery now.”

It was at the Job Centre that the former homeless man heard about Alabare, a supported housing programme for ex-Service personnel who are homeless and have a range of support needs. He has been living at the charity’s accommodation for a few months and is determined to get his life back on track.

Make a donation to food banks

REVEREND Deb Smith is urging people in the local community to donate to the food banks. The Weymouth and Portland Food book is receiving five times more demand than last year with more than 40 people a week relying on their donations. Rev Smith added: “We need to remember that every day lots of people in our own communities are living below the poverty line.

“As a community we need to support the local food banks.”

Food can be dropped at the Weymouth and Portland Food Bank at 18 The Esplanade, Weymouth, every Tuesday and Friday morning, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Call 07531 167465 for details.

Desperate need for shelter say action groups

ACTION groups claim there is a desperate need for a local homeless shelter.

But the borough council said there are ‘very few rough sleepers’ in the borough.

Soul Food, a Weymouth charity supporting the homeless, is currently engaging with around 20 people who are sleeping rough, with numbers expected to rise.

Angie Barnes, Soul Food volunteer outreach worker, said: “We desperately need a homeless shelter in Weymouth and Portland but due to the headcount our local authority doesn’t think we do.

“There is a lot of pride and shame involved with rough sleepers, they feel that they can’t get help or tell anyone because they feel like it is their own fault.

“It can happen to anyone in this climate, one minute you could be living comfortably and the next you could lose everything.

“Many don’t even come to the local groups for help, because of pride.”

Margaret Barker, chairman of Dorchester Poverty Action Group, revealed that there are currently two known rough sleepers in Dorchester, with many more facing poverty and homelessness.

She added that changes to the benefit system in April will make the situation worse.

“Even people who have got jobs and are working all the hours God sends are still struggling. Part of the problem is Dorset has got a high cost of living and wages are not in line with this.”

Kate Hindson, director of communities at the borough council, said: “There are very few people sleeping rough on the streets in Weymouth and Portland. The council works hard to help homeless people find accommodation and avoid rough sleeping. A homeless outreach worker carries out regular early morning checks to look for rough sleepers.

“In Weymouth the latest was on March 22 when two rough sleepers were found. If people do find themselves homeless there are services and emergency accommodation available to help them. Unfortunately for many different reasons an individual may not take up the help on offer, in which case it is difficult for the local authority to help them.”

Try living below the poverty line

A WEYMOUTH vicar raised money and awareness for poverty by living on a budget of £1 a day.

Reverend Deb Smith, of All Saint’s Church in Wyke Regis, was inspired to take part in the global campaign ‘Live Below The Line’.

It challenges participants to live on just £1 a day for five days.

Rev Smith said: “I hadn’t heard of the campaign until a friend took part and I thought it seemed a great way to raise awareness of the issues surrounding poverty on a global and local scale.”

Alongside her husband, the dedicated vicar raised nearly £700 for her chosen charity Oxfam. She added: “We raise money every year for Christian Aid week but this experience personally highlighted the difficult situation many people are in, in faraway countries and in our own communities.

“With the current economic situation as it is, families are really struggling to make ends meet and we need to support the community and realise the importance of local food banks.”

Rev Smith updated her progress throughout the challenge on an online blog for donators to follow. She said: “The hardest part for me was not being able to drink coffee. I’m addicted to strong coffee and living without it gave me headaches, which did take my mind off being hungry.”

The campaign has grown increasingly popular since it began in Australia in 2010 with many celebrities getting on board to take the challenge. Some of the latest celebs involved include Argo director Ben Affleck and Wolverine star Hugh Jackman.

For anyone thinking of taking the challenge, Rev Smith urges the importance of planning ahead. She said: “I’d advise people to think carefully about what food they’re buying and plan meals ahead.

“I found I actually ate more healthily and regularly during the challenge.”

She added: “The experience was a real eye opener and it makes you realise how much we’ve got.”

This year, more than 5,000 people are taking part in the campaign.

To find out more visit livebelow theline.com