A guy who spent five years living in a supermarket parking lot stated that the winter shelter pods offered to rough sleepers have given him “hope.”

Ten self-contained pods provide emergency lodging for those with nowhere else to go in Blackburn.

During the Covid-19 outbreak, the government offered assistance to local governments to house homeless individuals.

Charlie stated, “If not for this location, I would be living in a car.”

He stated, “I appreciate my bed, the food they provide me, the companionship, and everything else.”

I went eight weeks without a shower, and when I finally got one here, oh my God, I felt amazing.

I can see light at the end of the tunnel.

The pods, located on the site of the former Shadsworth Leisure Centre, provide a secure environment for vulnerable individuals between the months of November through March when temperatures plunge.

Charlie has intermittently lived on the streets for five years.

I’ve been living in the Morrisons parking lot, behind B&M Bargains, or in other cars,” he claimed.

Here it’s warm, I’ve got hot water. You are unaware of how much you take for granted.

“When you are homeless, you realize that you are missing out on the most necessities”

Blackburn with Darwen Council has agreed to support pods for the next two years at a monthly cost of around £1,800 per individual.

They have insulation, a bed, a toilet, a shower, a key-coded door, and security.

The council stated that it anticipated the pods would serve as a “stepping stone” towards independent living for rough sleepers who interact with staff.

Phil Riley, the leader of the council, stated that the pods “provide us with an opportunity to provide a great deal of support and encouragement for a lifestyle change

He said: “There is no need for anyone in this borough to be living on the streets, as every type of assistance is available; this is the true long-term benefit of this initiative.

“However, we must encourage individuals to accept the offers.

“Our personnel are constantly interacting with people in these challenging situations to direct them to appropriate assistance.”