Struggle on the streets: Brian's story of survival
On an empty lot in a retail section of west London, Ont. lives a man trying to escape homelessness. His name is Brian McManus.
He is 50 years old and has been living on the streets for four years.
“I just can’t believe this has happened to me,” he tells CTV News London.
For the past 14 months, McManus has lived in a makeshift shack, which he has lined with plastic in the hopes of keeping warm during the current deep freeze.
“Keeping it sealed is a difficult thing, but it is working," he says.
That includes the extreme cold of the past many nights.
His 74-year-old mother, Barb Jones, also of London, is desperate to help her "boy" find an apartment.
“Once a mother, always a mother,” she says.
Jones contacted CTV News London hoping the public would hear his story. Through tears, she explained why.
“It just breaks my heart he’s out here, and I can’t do anymore.”
She says agencies have either failed her son or failed to adapt to his mental health.
Barb Jones, the mother of Brian McManus, speaks in London, Ont. on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
For his part, McManus blames a deteriorating relationship and past troubles for his homelessness.
Both he and his mother say he beat a drug addiction years ago.
“I don’t do none of that. I don’t steal. I don’t do drugs,” he exclaims.
The extreme cold has taken a toll. He says he can no longer feel his fingertips and struggles to keep his hands and body warm.
Like most experiencing homelessness, McManus’s winter wear is often stolen, as his gloves were the night before he spoke with CTV News London.
“It’s like the 'Bank of Brian' I used to say, when you leave, you’ve got to expect you’re going to lose it.”
Thankfully, those working for businesses in the area are generous. One local shop owner just bought him a new winter coat. In return, McManus says he picks up all the garbage he sees in the area.
Like others who live on the streets, he could turn to shelters to stay warm.
But he says it is not an option that works for his independent personality and previous history.
Jones says she used to push him to go, but has since backed off. She worries her son could find himself back in the wrong crowd.
But the longer he stays on the streets, the harder it is to survive the cold and resist the temptation - McManus says - to take things to stay warm.
“It’s so expensive to be homeless and be legal, people don’t understand that.”
So with apartment rentals skyrocketing out of reach and geared-to-income locations hard to obtain, what options are left?
Jones, herself on a fixed income, is at a loss as she lives in a one-bedroom seniors' apartment. Meanwhile, her heartache grows.
“I’m at my limit and I can’t help him. He needs a roof over his head, a home, a basement apartment, a garage, anything. He needs help!”
And this “always a mom” is pointing fingers at London's leaders in an emotional plea.
“There is money in this city, millions of dollars, but they forget about the underdog people!”
And as McManus looks to find a way to stay warm, for yet another night, he says his mom's assessment is spot on.
“We get the last of the line, and others have an advantage over us. I find that difficult.”
And lonely.
He says he is searching for a way “off his island” to a simple paradise with a roof and a warm bed.
“I feel like that movie Castaway. I get caught talking to myself in despair. I just can’t believe it.”
If you’d like to offer help or words of kindness, click here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.