This article is from page 17 of the 2006-06-13 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
ONE man who has been added to the growing homeless list in Clare over the past fortnight has spoken of his despair and lack of optimism in finding a permanent place to live.
Jim (not his real name), who is in his 60s, is originally from the UK and has lived in Clare for the past 30 years.
Over the years, he got married and had three children and lived with his family outside Ennis.
However, an accident in the workplace over 20 years ago has changed his life forever. He sustained a serious back injury and has been unable to work since then.
Until recently, Jim had been on constant medication but has now taken the decision to stop taking medication.
He has combined this with other important decisions.
Jim decided that he had had enough of family life and took the tough decision to move away from home – and in the process became another homeless person.
“I got off the medication and will put up with the pain. At least I have my mind. I was very down. It is hard for people to understand when they don’t know what I am going through. Everything got so bad, with tension and pressure. I was suicidal. I was on 19 tablets a day and I found that painkillers give you a false sense of security,” he said.
Jim has found it impossible to get any support for his depression. As a result, it deteriorated over time, culminating in his decision to take the drastic move.
Over the past two weeks, he has stayed in various bed and breakfasts, which have been organised by St Vincent de Paul. The HSE covers bed and breakfast accommodation, but that does not include evening meals. However, that particular option is short-term and, with summer looming fast, such accommodation will be extremely limited.
“I have nowhere to go. I don’t see myself going back to the family home. I had to get out. If I stayed there, I would be dead by now. I feel very isolated. Clare Haven looks after women but there is nowhere for men in a town the size of Ennis. It is hard. I have never had to look for help before,” he added.
St Vincent de Paul Outreach Officer Sandra Cox said that Jim’s physical disability is proving problematic, in attempts to secure a place for him to live.
“We are finding it difficult to find accommodation for him. He can’t go upstairs. Transitional housing would be suitable for Jim, as he could live on a ground floor building,” said Ms Cox.
As plans by Clare County Council to open the unit are being considered, Jim – like many other men – waits in hope for what could become a lifechanging experience.