Homeless man on streets for 10 weeks in Eastleigh after ex-wife split

Chris Marshall, 44, was made homeless in January last year after splitting from his wife and drifted into temporary accommodation in Andover, Amesbury, and Southampton, before eventually finding himself in Eastleigh.

The father-of-three was studying for a degree in human health science and was also a keen powerlifter before being made homeless.

Chris said: “It’s ridiculous – I keep trying to get them to help my situation, but I feel like I’m pouring hot water into a chocolate teapot.

“I’m a 44-year-old man and I’m living in a doorway outside Sainsbury's taking change from children to get a cup of coffee.

Chris has been living in a doorway outside Sainsburys in Eastleigh (Image: NQ)“I have qualifications and experience – I’m wasting away, and I just need some support to get me back on my feet.”

As his name is on the lease of a property in Andover where he used to live with his ex-wife, he has been told that he does not have a ‘local connection’ in Eastleigh and cannot be put into council accommodation.  

Chris was offered accommodation by the council in Bursledon, but declined as he said he was sick of more than a year of drifting around and had also built up a support network of local connections in Eastleigh.

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The ex-security worker added: “It has been a challenge living on the streets for 10 weeks.

“I have had to hold my hands under a dryer for 30 minutes just to get some warmth back into my hands.

“The outpouring of support from Eastleigh residents has been outstanding – I now have an incredible support network of local people here.

“They know me by name and will always stay and chat.”

In response to the situation a spokesperson from Eastleigh Borough Council said: “As a council we are committed to supporting any person who reports themselves homeless in our area.

“Where other local authorities have the legal duty to house the individual who has approached us, and who doesn’t have an Eastleigh borough connection, we work closely with them to help them resolve the situation.”