Foodbank manager’s shock revelation

Andrew Barr, Oldham Foodbank manager

AT least four people in Oldham have been left so destitute they live in cars on friends’ driveways, says Oldham Foodbank’s Andrew Barr.

The centre’s manager has dealt with three people living in cars since February.

One man was left homeless after his partner died and her son moved back in with his biological father. He took time off while grieving but fell to pieces and lost his job. He was unable to afford the payments and was evicted.

He now lives in an old car and visits the foodbank for meals.

Mr Barr said: “We hear some horrendous stories. We see people walking for miles and miles to work because they can’t afford the bus fare and feed their family.

“The first time I heard about people living in cars was a couple of years ago when I met a guy that was made bankrupt when the banks were cancelling overdrafts. He lost everything and ended up living in a car.

“Then in March a man who had been coming to the foodbank quite a lot started talking about where he had been sleeping. He was in a car as well.

“He was in prison for eight weeks for non-payment of a fine. When he came out his landlord had rented out his flat. I’ve heard of people living in sheds before but this is new. It seems to mainly be single men this is happening to. If there are children involved or somebody with health problems, it’s easier to find somewhere.

“All of the people living in cars are in a very vulnerable state and don’t know what they’re entitled to. Once somebody says no, they don’t pursue it.”

Andrew also knew of a fourth case in Oldham but knew little of the background.