For the past 18 months the 40-year-old boilermaker has been renting a bedsitter from Wesley Newcastle City Mission, after spending two years in and out of caravan parks and hotels unable to find a permanent home.

Ben, like thousands of other Hunter residents, is a victim of circumstance and the region’s worsening rental crisis.

‘‘After the divorce I suffered from depression and I really lost my way,’’ Ben said.

‘‘I was homeless and ended up living in my car for a while, I couldn’t find anywhere to stay.’’

Wesley Newcastle City Mission’s client services manager Tony Scully said there were thousands of people caught in similar situations.

Mr Scully said many families had lost accommodation due to increased rents and others were forced to go without food in an effort to remain in their homes.

‘‘There are a lot more people in this situation than people actually realise. Things are just getting tougher and tougher all the time,’’ he said.

Wesley Mission has 90 bedsitters across the Hunter which it rents to people in crisis. They include one bedroom, a kitchenette and small bathroom.

Ben hopes to use his good rental history with Wesley Mission to gain access to a larger place soon.

‘‘I’m doing some volunteer work at the moment for the Mission and with their help have been rebuilding my life,’’ he said.

‘‘At the moment I am looking for a permanent job and hope to eventually be able to move into a two-bedroom townhouse.’’

* Ben declined to have his surname published