By Alan Jacques
A HOMELESS Croatian man living rough on the streets of Limerick feels he has been left behind by society and now feels “emotionally exhausted” by the experience.
Vedran Kohut and his canine companion, Evelyn, have slept in 29 cities across Europe since 2013. The 36-year-old arrived in Limerick in March 2015 and had, for a time, been living in a makeshift camp along the banks of the River Shannon.
In the last three years, Vedran and his faithful companion have been homeless in France, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Slovenia, Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Since arriving in Limerick, he claims that none of Limerick’s homeless shelters would accommodate his pet, which he refers to as a therapy dog to help him deal with his mental health issues. He told the Limerick Post that he has been attacked and had his tent burnt down during his time in the city, which lead to a breakdown and a period in hospital.
“I was doing my best to keep myself healthy, mentally and physically. I feel I have been completely left behind by some public services, especially when I was dealing with the council’s homeless team,” Vedran said.
“I am now emotionally exhausted and probably in need of another recovery period in hospital. I only managed to get a little bit of work since March, mostly because nobody would employ me with my current situation. I have had to borrow money from family and friends and I have been living for at least six months with less than €5 a day in my pocket.”
Earlier this year, Vedran had his passport and other documents and valuables including a laptop stolen while travelling by train from Galway to Dublin. He now feels desperate, is in need of support, and does not know where to turn.
“I am grateful for all the help I have received from people in Limerick but what I really need is to be treated fairly by public services such as the social welfare office,” he concluded.
