Person living in car?

[exdulwicher]

OK, first off, do not take them alcohol. Mostly because they could then be in a position where they could be drunk in charge of a vehicle. If the police come by and they're in a car, drinking alcohol (whether they have any intention of moving the vehicle or not), its unlikely to go down too well plus they'll be in a position where they can't legally move the vehicle anyway after drinking!

If you're genuinely concerned for their welfare (as opposed to being concerned that this person is potentially lowering the tone of the neighbourhood), either ask them if you get a chance or pop a discreet note on the windscreen offering assistance. Don't just walk up with random food or drink.

Chances are everything is absolutely fine - it could be someone working locally who has no accommodation option (cos Airbnb, hostels etc are all shut), someone who's split up with a partner/unable to pay rent and currently has nowhere to live but is sorting themselves out, maybe even someone who is self-isolating and unable to do it in the family home.

If they're not causing any issues like using your garden as a toilet, they're not doing anything illegal.

[yorksgirl]

exdulwicher Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> If you're genuinely concerned for their welfare

> (as opposed to being concerned that this person is

> potentially lowering the tone of the

> neighbourhood....

> If they're not causing any issues like using your

> garden as a toilet, they're not doing anything

> illegal.

Well said. If the economy goes like it's supposed to, aren't there going to be a lot of people living in cars (if they are lucky enough to have a vehicle) in the coming months / couple of years? Maybe we should be thinking in advance about whether we could decide to befriend people and if we feel comfortable, e.g. build a relationship and at least let them have occasional use of a toilet or take them a hot sandwich in the morning? No point wondering why we have a country where it's just accepted that people sent nearly to hell by the blind winds of chance are offered nil help by anyone.

[Glemham]

We had a similar problem in our road two years ago. A woman in her forties was obviously sleeping in her car. It was a very hot summer and some of us were concerned for her health, and her vulnerability.

A neighbour with experience in working with the homeless talked to her and found she was having family problems and was too scared to live with her family. Some people felt she should be left to get on with her life but others thought about how they would feel if their sister, mother of friend was living in similar circumstances. In the end she accepted a referral to adult social services, was found to be known to a mental health team and was rehoused.

[KidKruger]

car's not been there for several nights now, so hopefully the situation improved (or they moved having read the EDF !).

[NewWave]

Out of interest was the car a blue car?

If so I know where they have moved to but shall not give the location as I dont want them to feel hounded in any way.

[KidKruger]

no it wasn't.