Man left living in car after shelter refusal

A YOUNG homeless man claims he is being forced to live in his car after a youth shelter where he once lived branded him an “unmanageable risk”.

Ken O’Driscoll, 22, originally from Farranree, Cork, said he has run out of options after the Foyer project in the city, his home for almost a year, refused to let him back in.

The city council, which runs the award-winning 16-bed facility in Blackpool, defended its stance.

“It would be inappropriate to comment on individual cases,” a spokesman said.

“But this centre has helped dozens of young people. Its incredible success to date is based on those participating complying with reasonable house rules.

“And only two people have been asked to leave since the project was set up in 2006.

“Mr O’Driscoll’s case is under appeal and a decision is due shortly.”

Mr O’Driscoll, who turns 23 on Saturday, has been disowned by his family after a row.

He lived in the Foyer from February 2007 to February 2008, paying nominal rent.

The €3 million project, housed in the former Little Sisters of the Assumption convent building, targets young people aged between 18 and 25 who are at risk of homelessness, including those from broken homes, leaving juvenile institutions or prisons.

The low to medium support unit offers them accommodation, independent living skills, training and education.

It was ranked earlier this year among the top three of the 130 accredited Foyer projects in Britain and Ireland.

However, Mr O’Driscoll was asked to leave earlier this year after failing to pay a €600 rent bill.

He moved into another city hostel but says he couldn’t afford to pay the higher rent.

He said he paid off his debt to the Foyer in July and reapplied for a place but was turned down. The letter of refusal described him as “an unmanageable risk”.

But Mr O’Driscoll said he has no option now but to live in his 1998 Seat Cordoba.

“The system has let me down,” he said.

He claimed other people who were asked to leave the Foyer have been accepted back.

“I admit that I failed to obey simple instructions but I am at risk of being homeless,” he said.

“The Foyer says it is there for homeless people and people at risk but they are rejecting me. I have no option now but to live in my car. It’s a clapped out banger — I wouldn’t get much for it.”

All his belongings are in a plastic bag in the boot of the car and he is depending on friends for food and money.

He said yesterday he hasn’t had a shower in six days.

He is on disability allowance after sustaining injuries in a car accident and can’t see his young daughter until he secures accommodation.

Local councillor Dave McCarthy said he will look into the case.