Elderly homeless man in Offaly sleeping in car for four weeks
A HOMELESS Birr man has been reduced to sleeping in his car for the last four weeks.
Sixty-seven year old Con Carter has been living in Bulfin Park, Birr for many years but his house was recently sold which left him without a roof over his head.
He has been sleeping ever since, accompanied by his beloved Jack Russell Ben, in a small car parked near his old house.
Con is very well known in Birr and comes from a respected family.
“It pains me to publicise my current state of affairs,” he said, “but I have no other choice. I am desperate to get out of my car and find a place which I can call home once again.”
Con said the Council and the Gardaí have been supportive but he is finding it very hard to find new accommodation.
“The Council offered me places in Longford and Athlone but I didn't want to go up there. Birr is home, and is where I want to live.”
Con lived with his mother Sheila in Bulfin Park for many years but Sheila passed away in January 2022. Con wanted to continue living in the house, but because of financial problems it was decided there was no other choice but to sell the house.
Con has worked hard all his life in many different jobs in the Birr area. His mother was a popular and kind-hearted woman.
“My neighbour Tommy Loonam has been wonderful over the last few weeks,” he continued. “He has been providing me with food and has been allowing me to use his washing facilities.”
He spoke very fondly of his dog Ben. “My psychiatrist advised me to get a dog, which I did. It was excellent advice. Unfortunately, a lot of landlords or B&B owners won't take you in if you have a dog.”
He said the Council will pay for a B&B but he hasn't been able to find a B&B yet in Birr which can accommodate him.
“I've searched everywhere in Birr for a B&B but haven't found anything.”
Over the years Con has been a strong member of the community, participating in Foróge and the Scouts. Many years ago he ran as a candidate in the Birr Town Council elections. He was also a member of the Offaly Joint Policing Committee for a while.
He said he feels at the end of his tether and is desperate for a home of some sort.
“The last few weeks have been very hard mentally,” he remarked. “All I want is a home of some sort but it's proving nearly impossible. A year and a half ago I was very happy.”
But then his mother died, and fear and uncertainty came into his life. He feels that once he gets into a place he can call home then this feeling of being at the end of his tether will disappear.