A FORMER firefighter from Ringwood who lost his home and his job after a divorce says he is one of at least nine ‘hidden homeless’ living on the streets in the town.

And with the weather getting colder, Ivan Halford, 47, is appealing for help to get back on his feet, saying rummaging for food in bins, squatting in empty buildings and washing in rivers is “intolerable”.

Mr Halford has been homeless since July and has been squatting in various places in the town.

Despite having a “strong work ethic”, he says finding a job has become almost impossible with no permanent address.

He also says he knows of eight other men who live without shelter, regular food or access to basic washing facilities in Ringwood, despite the official number of rough sleepers in the town being pegged at just two.

He said: “I am very hungry. I am a proud man and I am so embarrassed that I have found myself homeless and jobless, rooting around bins and being so dependent on friends’ goodwill.

“I am hard-working, reliable and conscientious.”

Mr Halford was offered accommodation at a shelter in Bournemouth, but he lasted just one night.

“It was a horrible experience. There were drug addicts and alcoholics at the shelter and I knew I would not get any rest.

“I am not being judgemental; I can understand how homelessness can lead to a slippery slope, but living this way was not an option for me.”

He added: “Without the Ringwood Foodbank and the Citizens Advice Bureau I wouldn’t have survived. I am starving this morning because my food has run out and I will not get any more for another four days.”

And he said: “I have lived in Ringwood since I was 12 years old. I was a firefighter at Ringwood for seven years and have worked installing IT in various schools, so I am triple CRB checked.

“But the council has offered me little help to climb back into society and I have been reliant on charity. Right now I have a very bleak future.”

A second homeless man, who did not wish to be named because he does not want his children to see him in this way, said: “I was a bricklayer and became injured so I am not fit to work. But I have nothing. No money, no shelter. I hate myself.”

The district council’s portfolio holder for housing Jill Cleary said: “The council provides help to many people suffering homelessness or other housing problems and we are currently considering ways of increasing the availability of emergency housing in the district.

“We would strongly advise any homeless person to make contact with our homelessness and housing advice team to obtain advice and assistance on how to resolve their housing issues.”

Anyone who can help Mr Halford can contact him on 07704 435105.