In a heartbreaking turn of events, 65-year-old Gary Evans has found himself homeless after selflessly giving up his flat to become a live-in carer for a woman who tragically passed away just days before he was set to start the job. Evans, who left his rental flat of 13 years in October 2023 to embark on this new chapter, now finds himself on the streets, struggling to survive.
Gary’s story is a stark reminder of how quickly life can unravel. With only £500 in savings, Gary quickly depleted his funds on temporary accommodations, bouncing between hotels and friends’ couches. Despite a lifetime of hard work, including a stint as a cook in a care home, Gary’s struggle with long COVID left him unable to find stable employment. Although he secured a part-time job at an amusement park, earning between £200 and £700 a month, it wasn’t enough to afford rent, leaving him homeless.
Living on the streets of Ramsgate, Kent, Gary describes his experience as “cold and frightening.” Friends who once stood by his side have distanced themselves, and Gary spends his days in the library applying for jobs and seeking warmth at Wetherspoon, taking advantage of their free-refill coffee. His nights, however, are spent on the seafront, exposed to the harsh elements and vulnerable to the dangers of sleeping rough.
“It’s true what they say about everyone only being two pay cheques away from poverty,” Gary reflects, highlighting the precarious nature of financial stability in today’s society. Despite his dedication to hard work and paying taxes all his life, he found himself without a home, money, or support. The fear and discomfort of sleeping rough, being woken by strangers, and enduring the cold have taken a severe toll on his mental health.
Gary’s fluctuating income from his amusement park job is supplemented by up to £393 in universal credit during low-income months. However, this combined income is still insufficient for securing housing. He carries a suitcase of essentials with him and keeps some belongings with friends, constantly on the move and without a stable place to call home.
In January, Gary reached out to Thanet District Council for assistance but was met with a disappointing response: they couldn’t help. Despite this setback, Gary remains determined to find another job and secure a place to live. He acknowledges the high cost of housing and the difficulty in securing a rental, especially for those on benefits.
Gary’s plight is a damning indictment of the system’s failure to support vulnerable individuals. While he has encountered some acts of kindness from strangers offering change or food, others have been less compassionate, asking him to leave cafes and treating him with disdain.
Reflecting on his situation, Gary shares a bittersweet perspective: he has witnessed beautiful sunrises and sunsets and encountered wildlife, but these moments of natural beauty are marred by the harsh realities of human nature and the indifference of the authorities. He feels a mix of sadness and resentment towards the council for their inability to provide assistance.
A spokesperson for Thanet District Council stated that they work hard to prevent homelessness and support vulnerable individuals but could not comment on individual cases. They emphasized their commitment to assisting those in need and collaborating with other services to provide necessary support.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Gary remains hopeful and resilient, determined to overcome his current circumstances and find stability once again. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for a compassionate and effective safety net for those who fall through the cracks.