After an industrial accident left Eric unable to work, his life unravelled. A relationship breakdown with his partner shortly followed, and he found himself with nowhere to live – with only his dog, Max, for companionship.
Eric bought an old bus to use as a place to stay, hoping to regain some sense of security. He parked it wherever he could, eager to remain unnoticed and away from society. Yet he felt constantly on edge, worried about his safety or being asked to move the bus elsewhere.
Eric was barely surviving, but he was too proud to share his struggles with friends or family – many of whom he had lost contact with.
A DENS Outreach Worker first encountered Eric when they noticed his bus parked on the roadside. Over time, they built trust and Eric opened up about his struggles, including the chronic pain he was experiencing.
Eric was encouraged to visit our Day Centre, where he accessed showers, laundry facilities and more. He also received parcels from our Foodbank, tailored to the limited cooking equipment he had in the bus.
After a few weeks, Eric welcomed the idea of a more stable living situation, but only if Max could stay with him. He was introduced to The Elms, our pet-friendly hostel, and was immediately impressed by the safe and supportive environment.
Eric moved into The Elms and soon transitioned into one of our shared Move On properties. He also made great progress with his health, having undergone several operations to treat his injuries.
Sadly, Max passed away due to age-related health issues, but Eric received valuable support from StreetVet during this difficult time. He also began accessing the Therapy Centre, which has helped him process the trauma of his homelessness, the physical toll of his accident and the loss of his companion.
Eric has even started rebuilding relationships with his family, including his children. He now speaks of his future with optimism, hoping to retrain for work, visit family and travel the country – repurposing his bus as a camper van.
He is currently working towards moving into his own place, supported by our Resettlement service.
Reflecting on his journey, Eric said: “I really can’t fault DENS. They did everything to help me get back on my feet. Without them I don’t want to think about where I would be.”
“I feel like now I can start to put into action all the plans I have for the future.”
We are incredibly proud of Eric’s resilience and all that he has achieved. We will continue to support him along his pathway towards a fully independent future.
Please note: Eric’s name, image and details of his story have been changed to protect his anonymity.
Story published 27th March 2026.