Sleeping in car uk, what can I do?

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Opposite-Package-445@reddit

Start a go fund me brother let’s all support you 👊🏼

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prettybunbun@reddit

Hi! I work in homelessness, I used to work in direct rough sleeping housing, so supporting individuals like you into temp and then (hopefully) permanent accommodation.

You need to present at your local council. Which means, google ‘x council, homeless’ and you’ll see how to present. It may be a call, or most have a place you can literally show up to and say ‘I’m homeless and need help’ - you then enter what is called ‘the homeless pathway’ and start your application.

Just to add to this as I’ve been in the same boat as OP - they aren’t going to let them keep the dog with them unless they manage to get an actual flat/house.

They will encourage private renting, each council has different ways, you will be expected to look yourself, my council did have someone who worked with landlords to help find affordable accommodation. The officers can assist with a financial assessment, to look at your affordability so you know what you could afford. Your councils homeless team may provide something called rent in advance (not all councils do) this loans you the deposit and in some cases first months rent, it is a loan and you do have to pay it back but it is set at what you can afford (e.g if you can genuinely only afford £10 per month, your agreement will be £10 per month), but it has no interest on it, it's much better than taking out a bank loan or credit card to secure a property.

Above is correct, and they will help to the best of their ability, it's tough working in housing/homelessness right now and you end up feeling a bit helpless at times. Your council should also have a list of local charities who can assist you during this time, including money management, food, showers, clothes etc. they may also have contacts with animal facilities.

free-the-imps@reddit

So much good advice here OP - as a former car dweller I came here to say this, but good on you, @UserCannotBeVerified

I’d also add, I used to stay up at night and sleep in the days which were a little warmer. The car I was sleeping in was an old morris minor and the doors were not really insulated, it didn’t really have proper door seals. So when it was freezing or close to at night, where it would be too much of a risk to go to sleep in very low temperatures. I did stupid stuff it’s harder to do nowadays, like go and sit in A&E, or the local Samaritans office, to keep warm.

LondonHomelessInfo@reddit

St Mungo's do terrible things to homeless in London. Luckily they don't operate in Essex.

londonhomelessinfo.wordpress.com/stmungos

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njb66@reddit

I had no idea…thanks for sharing this info - it makes for interesting reading….

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LondonHomelessInfo@reddit

Thanks

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I agree with you, OP. Please make sure your lovely pup is safe and looked after. I really hope things improve for you soon. Keep strong.

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me_myself_and_data@reddit

I have an unoccupied flat that we Airbnb in London (soho) if you are near. DM me and I can get you the smart lock code.

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HannaaaLucie@reddit

I know other people have said it already, but the world needs more people like you.

When I moved to a new town for work it was at very short notice and it was difficult to find a flat to rent. I got an AirBnB for 15 quid for a night in some lady's house. I couldn't book anything else and she let me stay for a week for 50 quid. She was lovely as well.

UnacceptableUse@reddit

How do you know they bought it just to put it on airbnb?

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PMagicUK@reddit

its empty, in london

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UnacceptableUse@reddit

Yeah? Maybe they live in London but have to work away for months at a time? Maybe they had to move elsewhere to take care of a terminally ill relative and will eventually move back? Maybe they moved in with a partner but don't want to sell just yet just in case it doesn't work out?

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JaEmNaPeGu@reddit

How do you prefer people to acquire properties to put on Airbnb?

What you really want (and key information that the council neglected to tell me about) is indeed a CHAIN number.

This is all fresh in my head, so this will likely be the most accurate response you get in terms of getting out of sleeping in the car. I'll point out the most important steps of each.

Streetlink outreach team will come out & verify you're homeless. You'll then get what is known as a CHAIN (Combined Homeless & Information Network)

They'll pass this specific CHAIN number & any other details you get to the local authority/council who will also come out to you, usually within 4 hours of the person from Streetlink.

Shortly after this, you'll get an outreach worker from the council come out to you as above. They'll usually exchange contact information and they'll work with you to create an action plan. On my first night under SWEP, about when a week ago, when I was waking up to frost INSIDE my car, I was allowed to go to a hostel in Barking which had 3 bunk beds in, although this arrangement only kicks in when there is a weather alert or the recorded temperature is sub zero degrees Celsius so YMMV.

In the action plan you and your housing officer is at the council, they will tell you what you're entitled to, in terms of the Local Housing Allowance and encourage you to look for properties that are affordable based on that entitlement. They vary between councils so check it online. They'll do an income to expenditure calculation before they agree to helping with your first month's rent & deposit costs.

They also tell you that you should look further afield in terms of renting to find cheaper rents, even citing that you should look into other areas of the country.

I do feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel. But it's frustrating to say that dealing with my council - you will largely be waiting on other people to respond to emails, texts, or calls back. (I've already had a new housing officer inside 1 week, not sure if that's normal) Apparently a team of 3, the homelessness team, one is on long term sickness & one is also on maternity leave from what I was told on the phone.

iamsheena@reddit

Most places require a deposit and if you're struggling with money, that's not going to be possible to save. It's the same as with a mortgage -- many people could pay the monthly rate but getting the deposit is the difficult part.

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thxrpy@reddit

I think it’s the fact I’m not working but I can’t get a job if I haven’t got anywhere to live so I’m stuck

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georgialucy@reddit

Renting a flat it more than just affording the price of the rent and utilities. There is so much competition for housing that landlords have pick of the crop, you're often competing for a place. You also need to have a deposit that is usually more than a months rent up front.

You have to give credit score, multiple references, guarantor, ID, proof of previous residence and pay slips just to be considered. Even if you can afford the rent, many places give a minimum salary you must earn, mine said I had to earn at least 40k a year.

It is not at all easy to rent unfortunately, especially if you come from low income or homelessness.

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thxrpy@reddit

Absolutely, I don’t think people realise sometimes how bad it is, even when I was working 40 hour weeks I was struggling!! My last house was privately rented and it was a fucking nightmare from start to finish. Estate agent disappearing and being unreachable for basic repairs never mind paying rent, landlord never showed her face until she randomly showed up to show an estate agent round, decided to evict me on the grounds of selling the house cos she had ‘financial troubles’ but actually had another 8 properties that I knew about!!! tried to bully me out sooner, lied and said I trashed the house when it was honestly a shithole to begin with, broken oven and dodgy front door, riddled with damp, nightmare neighbours… but it was my first home after leaving an abusive relationship so it was better than nothing 🤷🏼‍♀️

I’d honestly be happy with a studio or a caravan at this point I just need somewhere for me and my little dog to be able to start again.

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thxrpy@reddit

I can’t find anywhere, the cheapest properties here are around £900 and even with a months rent, deposit and guarantor i cant get anything, probably cos council told me they’d only house me if I was removed by bailiffs otherwise it’s ’voluntary homelessness’ - did exactly what they said and they’ve done fuck all to help me. Got told unofficially that the only way id get housed is if i got pregnant, it’s fucked up. I’m going back to the council office tomorrow cos I just get swerved over the phone

I suffer badly with mental health problems and no house shares accept dogs, I’m not rehoming him either that’s not an option cos if I didn’t have him to keep me company I’d have been dead months ago x

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HELMET_OF_CECH@reddit

I can’t find anywhere, the cheapest properties here are around £900

You’ve given a lot of identifiable information here you may prefer to redact.

I wish you luck and joy

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ousfraton@reddit

i have a gym group colchester code for a month id be happy to sort u out with for a shower or just to chill in, doubt you’d be able to sleep there tho tbh although it is 24h so a safe place if u ever need it. would only be until 16th of feb unfortunately as it’s already cancelled. send me a message if u need it.

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ree_forthesqrig@reddit

I work for a homeless centre as a caseworker so this would be my best advice for you.

You need to call your local councils Housing Options line. You’ll find it on their website. In order to get help from your local council you’ll need a local connection. Most of the time you need to have lived in that area for a minimum of two years but they sometimes ask for longer. Each council is different but they might ask you to do an assessment which is where they’ll decide what priority level for housing you are. The main factors are if you have children with you and if you have diagnosed health conditions. Occasionally depending on your priority they might put you in temporary accommodation which can be at a hostel or a hotel, or they might not be able to offer you anything. Hopefully you’ll be given a homelessness prevention officer who will be assigned to your case and help you get housing. It’s really important you stay in that council area because if you move elsewhere the new council will refuse to help you unless you have a valid reason such as fleeing domestic violence. Also keep as much evidence as you can. You’ll need ID, previous tenancies, letters stating you don’t owe rent arrears, any medical evidence such as patient summaries etc. the more you have to show the better.

You should sign up for your local councils housing association. This is where you can bid on properties. You’ll be put in a band which is based on your priority, the higher up your band aka band 1 will mean you’ll be housed sooner. If you’re in a lower band like band 3 it could take a long time to be housed. It depends on how many properties the council has and how many people are bidding. In the area I work the wait for a band 3 person can be up to 8 years but it might be different where you are.

If you are given temporary accommodation there might be a chance that it’s more expensive than renting privately. Most of the time people who use temporary accommodation are receiving benefits and their rent is paid by housing benefit but if you’re working you’re expected to pay the normal rate plus a lot extra which can be almost £1500 a month depending on your location whilst others only pay £350. Make sure you ask questions about working if you’re offered anywhere so you’re not blindsided into paying really high fees.

Private renting is your best option. The best place for you to look is Spareroom. They’re mainly house shares (you’ll find a few studios though) but there’s a lot of good benefits from them. Most of them will include bills and be significantly cheaper than renting somewhere entirely on your own. They won’t ask for as high of a deposit, potentially might not need one at all and you shouldn’t need a guarantor. The process can be a lot quicker too and I’ve known people to move in same day. Plus you don’t need to worry about buying furniture because it’s usually provided. Even if you don’t want to live with other people, it’s a stepping stone to somewhere else and you don’t have to stay there forever. If the deposit is an issue, your local council might be able to help with this through the rent deposit guarantee scheme if they have one.

Make the most of services around you like food banks and homeless centres. The place I work at offers hot meals every day and has showers and washing facilities. You can also talk to caseworkers who will help you get in touch with the right people. Hopefully there’ll be somewhere near you that offers something similar. These places hopefully will also have donations for you such as sleeping bags and blankets to make your car a little warmer.

Lastly your council might operate Outreach which is where a team from the council or a local organisation will come and find you and potentially refer you into accommodation. Even if you don’t take the accommodation this might be a good chance to ask what other support there is. It’s worth asking your council if they operate this. You can use the website Streetlink (if you Google it, it should come up) to register your location. You’ll be asked a load of questions like where you are, physical description, when you’ll be at that place and they’ll try and do their best to find you. It’s worth doing streetlink a few times if you’re not found straight away as usually they operate in a large area so might not be able to find you the next time they go out. They should do outreach fairly regularly. My local area does it 2-3 times a week.

I hope your situation gets better and you can find somewhere safe to stay :) we’re in the middle of a housing crisis so don’t be put off if it doesn’t happen instantly. It might take persistence but you’ve got this!

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SilverBullet2908@reddit

I strongly advise that you look for live-in work. In one months time, they'll be screaming for people to work hospitality in Scotland. This will be my 4th year.

Many places may take you on now, like my new boss just did. I explained that I'm sofa surfing in England, and they urged me to come now, stay in the hotel, and when the time comes I'll get work when the hotel is ready to be deep cleaned for opening.

You can get jobs with accommodation in England, but they're few and far between. Start looking and asking now for places that will let you bring your dog. Many do, many don't.

I know these will accept you and your dog.

Royal Hotel in Oban Isle Of Eriska Hotel & Spa near Benderloch Auchrannie Resort on Isle Of Arran (possibly)

Sorry, I know that's only 3 places, but it's a start.

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DinosaurInAPartyHat@reddit

Good idea, there's lots of overnight sleep-in care work as well and even horse yards will take live-in grooms if you're fit and keen to work.

Mate if you can get you and your dog to Liverpool you can stay with me and my Mrs, it’ll be the couch but at least you’ll warm and safe. Pm me if needs be. Xx

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Efficient-Dealer-377@reddit

This is so nice of you need more ppl like you in life but then again i always find scousers are the most lovely down to earth ppl ☺️

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Much-Strain-9666@reddit

Sorry to hear about your situation. I was in a similar situation with partner in 2019 and would never give up my dogs, so ended off in a rented transit van in -6C weather when evicted overnight. It was heartbreaking when their water bowls froze over. We managed to keep working and found the smallest, most disgusting apartment (dead body size stain in the living room and bathroom shrooms) for £500 a month and literally had rats in the walls. The landlord was dodgy but we knew the score. 6 years later I own a house and the dogs have a nice garden.

I can't offer advice except it will eventually work out, just got to take what you can. Don't even consider drinking or drugs as an escape. Unfortunately you're going to be at the bottom of any housing list if you're male, adult and not a migrant; you're invisible to the authorities but people will help out if you ask them.

Message me if you need some dog food, or food for yourself. People who abandon their dogs are scum, so you're a good man in my book 👍

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ElDazro@reddit

Your mum can't even let you sleep on the floor? That's wild behaviour for a mother

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Efficient-Dealer-377@reddit

I know literally I’m sure some mums and dads think they stop being a parent at 16! He’s her son and this shit makes me sad that she is even allowing her poor son to sleep in his car surely she could let him go on her floor with a blow mattress ect I’d sleep in my back garden to make sure my son/daughter is warm and safe Some parents are just on another level of madness .

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Phillikeimdying@reddit

Big up Colch, I don’t live there but am from not so far away, went to institute.

You have a car and you have a job which is great - you could find a room to rent asap so what’s the issue?

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Stereotypical_Cat@reddit

Just adding to the offers of support, we're local. I can give you spare blankets, tea and water, some calorie dense foods, etc.

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brainfeedah@reddit

Hello, hopefully you’re still reading replies. I can’t offer what some of the amazing things others have offered you in this thread. However I recommend checking out Michael Hickey (themichaelhickey) on Instagram. His situation was different in that he lived in his car for many months to save for a house, but he has some really good tips, particularly early in in the “saving for tiny home” series, that might help you. Good luck mate.

Thanks for the info

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LondonHomelessInfo@reddit

Thanks

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WithnailsCoat@reddit

Present yourself as homeless at your nearest council office tomorrow morning, they are obliged to help you.

Also look at the Shelter website, loads of good advice.

If you think the council gives a sh1t about a single male, you're very much mistaken. They are not obliged to do house anyone. They give hostel places to FAMILIES, and they are few and far between. Single people are the lowest priority even for hostel places.

You're living in a la la land.

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Kitchner@reddit

Where did I say they give a shit?

I'm pointing out to you "obliged to help" is very literally and legally a true statement. Councils are legally obliged to "help" anyone who is homeless.

You are confusing "help" with "immediately house".

They give hostel places to FAMILIES, and they are few and far between. Single people are the lowest priority even for hostel places.

You're living in a la la land.

Having known single males who were offered hostel places, you're not as well informed as you think you are.

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Marctacus@reddit

A single male won't be high on the council priority list

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LondonHomelessInfo@reddit

Incorrect advice, please stop spreading misinformation, dissuading homeless people from making a homeless application to their council's Homeless Team.

Most single homeless men are priority need for at least one reason, many for several reasons.

reddit.com/r/HomelessUK/comments/1elim6d/single_homeless_in_england_how_to_get_rehoused_by

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LondonHomelessInfo@reddit

Incorrect advice, most single homeless men are priority need for at least one reason, many for several reasons.

reddit.com/r/HomelessUK/comments/1elim6d/single_homeless_in_england_how_to_get_rehoused_by

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shrewdlogarithm@reddit

If he is "unintentionally homeless" - e.g. he's been evicted/released from prison/something else out-of-his-control they are REQUIRED to provide accomodation - regardless of status

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Ecstatic_Lion4224@reddit

St Mungos are a homeless charity who will also allow people to bring their dogs in with them, and I believe operate in London and the south of England. Hope everything works out for you and your dog. Stay safe as you can.

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LondonHomelessInfo@reddit

St Mungo's do teerible things to homeless in London. Luckily they don't operate in Essex.

londonhomelessinfo.wordpress.com/stmungo's

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njb66@reddit

I believe St Mungos will take both people and their dogs when homeless…

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LondonHomelessInfo@reddit

St Mungo's do terrible things to homeless people in London. Luckily they don't operate in Essex.

Incorrect advice.

I suppose it depends, but a family sized tent is going to be bigger, much better ventilated, easier to keep clean, space for a proper air mattress, table, chair, etc.

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AvatarIII@reddit

Sure, but where are you pitching it?

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ImpressNice299@reddit

At a cheap camp site.

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AvatarIII@reddit

even a cheap campsite even in january is like £10 per night

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PapaWhisky7@reddit

Are you ex military by any chance?

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Red-Raven710@reddit

It’s worth posting on “Vanlife - UK” Facebook page, there’s a lot of kind people on there that may be local and able to help you.

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Mooncrypto25@reddit

Get a camper van

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sepiagod@reddit

Coming from someone who lives in a campervan full time, and has spent plenty of nights car camping before.

You can buy thick foam from b&q to cut into shape to fit your boot and around the lowered seats to help make a comfortable flat bed. Someone else mentioned not to use inflatable mattress because it traps cold air beneath you… the whole point of inflatables is that the air in it warms up from your body heat and insulates you better.

Get some curtains to cover the windows - this helps both with privacy and keeping heat in.

A hot water bottle goes a very long way to keeping yoo warm through the night, preheating the sleeping bag and stopping you from waking up cold.

Cracking the window a touch will help with condensation.

Earplugs and an eye mask help if it’s loud or near streetlights.

Wrapping up in loads of layers in a sleeping bag doesn’t actually keep you warmer, you want to heat the air in the sleeping bag around you. On a chilly night maybe try long johns, but usually t shirt and underwear is enough.

OP says they have no funds until the end of the month, appreciate I'm suggesting a caravan which probably involves buying it (normally the free ones are a bit too much of a state).

But yes, that can be a good option. In some areas of the country there aren't any sites that will allow it, but in some areas there's pretty cheap sites that have a few 'full timers' and charge a reasonable fee, albeit they're often the ones with pretty much no facilities - ie maybe a single portaloo and water point, no showers etc.

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ImpressNice299@reddit

I think they're supposed to move you on every 28 days, but I don't know how regulated it is. The cheapest pitches seem to be about £10 which should be doable if OP is in full time work. But agreed - sleeping in a caravan in a layby is far preferable to sleeping in a car.

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Imaginary_Desk_@reddit

Please go to Beacon House! They will assist you. Colchester has a big homeless community and many charities that support them. Dennis is allowed in with you too.

They used to be on East Hill 20 years ago but may have moved.

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Beabarb@reddit

Contact Dogs on the street for assistance. https://dogsonthestreets.org

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semorebunz@reddit

why not sleeping bag on your mums floor ? kitchen /hallway floor will be much warmer than a car in mid winter

good luck anyway

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sobrique@reddit

So as someone who's done a bit of adverse weather camping, I'll chip in some advice.

Cars are colder than tents - I don't know if it's an option to put a tent up anywhere, but consider it.

Otherwise:

Be wary of ventilation. A car that's stationary will get damp just due to your breathing, and that'll make you cold and miserable quite fast. As stupid as it sounds, opening a window even when it's cold can be a good idea. This sounds counter-intuitive I know, but your car will 'cool down' any of the water you breath out anyway, and being cold and damp is worse.

Keep yourself warm by trapping air around you - even a thin blanket or sheet does more good than it seems as long as it's restricting air flow. And that'll often be better than something thicker that also traps moisture next to your body.

Other than that contact with surfaces that are cold sap heat - and again a relatively small amount of separation and insulation does a lot of good 'just' a foam roll mat is a thing that hikers carry for a reason.

Airbeds are actually bad for this sort of things, because they're heat sinks. They'll keep you cool in the summer, but they'll ensure you never warm up in the winter. They're passable as long as you remember this, and add the insulation layers you would if the airbed didn't exist. E.g. blanket/wool/foam layer covering the airbed before you sleep on it.

Sleeping bags are good at what they do. Pocket hand warmers are fairly cheap and do a surprising amount when insulated. But so do hot water bottles if you've access to hot water from the flat.

If you've got issues with access to 'facilities' for washing/changing etc. a gym membership isn't too expensive, and you can sometimes find one that's open and warm 24h.

Find somewhere to be during the day that's keeping you sheltered/warm/dry - it might be in the flat, it might be in a nearby pub. (e.g. at weekends if not at work). Sleeping 'outdoors' is a lot more bearable if you're able to warm up again easily.

Varies a bit depending how dog friendly places are, but there's usually a few cafes about that are happy to allow dogs in.

From what you've said about work, I assume your dog is ok being left alone for your working day?

Figure out something about laundry - it might be a small flat starts to get difficult in terms of clothes washing, but a launderette might work out for you - especially if you're mobile enough to drive there.

If you're tempted to run the car to get some heat, be very cautious - cars aren't really designed to sit idle, so be wary of where the exhaust fumes will be going. Even if it's outdoors, the fumes can 'sit' depending on the weather, so run the engine sparingly. And do so recognising that your car battery takes a 'hit' from starting the car - usually a non issue due to running the engine for a journey which recharges it, but it's really not geared up for 'camper van' energy usage patterns.

A portable battery for phone charging etc. may well be a good idea instead of drawing on the cars electrics. Especially if you can recharge your battery at work! You'll probably be ok if it's "just" a phone or something, but be wary of anything that generates heat. Last thing you want is your car to be unable to start due to a dead battery!

You've got this - you've a full time job, and right now your living costs are going to be really low, as miserable as it sounds. Focus on saving up to fix your situation, and ultimately consider whether you need to relocate to somewhere due to cost of living. Bit harder if you've a full time job depending what sector you work in, but it might be a similar job somewhere else is a better balance of 'income vs. rent' for you.

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Prestigious-Cry-4790@reddit

Well I have done this. Usually 24hr open supermarkets like Walmart/Asda/Tesco are great . Have bathroom facilities open 24 after restaurants are closed. 24 hour gyms are great too for shower facilities. Get free trial.It gets cold in a car but a couple of cold weather duvets and you are sorted. I woke one morning in -25C and the entire inside of the vehicle was rather beautiful swirls of frost on the inside of the glass. Top layer was crisp frozen. But the other duvets were grand. Thermal layers are awesome. Would prefer to never go through this again. Highly recommend advice about seeking out help from council. When you have ways available to get you out of this situation it’s always better to do it. Don’t let pride get in the way. We all need a little help sometimes.

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Blackkers@reddit

I know Colchester well. Dude - I am also happy cover a Travel Lodge for a night for you and the dog - if you want to take this up with me, please feel free to PM me.

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mydogsbigbutt@reddit

r/urbancarliving

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GoldenGolgis@reddit

Take a flask of hot tea to bed, keeps you warm in the night and with a bit of luck you can wake up to a cuppa

Get some emergency foil sheets, most car or camping shops do them for a few pounds. Put one under your sleeping bag /where you sleep, as the cold creeps up from below even more than from above

Don't use an air mattress or lilo to sleep on as you're trapping cold air under you

Wear a hat and gloves in bed, makes a big difference

Most of all say every night "this too shall pass"

Good luck friend

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sobrique@reddit

Yeah, as counterintutive as it sounds, tents are actually warmer than cars.

Airbeds are heat sinks not insulators - but they can be made 'functional' by adding insulating layers of blankets or foam roll mats.

Pocket hand warmers are potent in the bottom of a sleeping bag - a bit of insulation goes a long way. I used a badly designed torch for a bit - one of those Ebay specials with stupid light output but that also got rather hot. Running on rechargable batteries it'd 'run' for an hour or so (yes, it was using that much energy!) but inside a sleeping bag it was hot enough that you risked a contact burn...

I mean, it's not very clever idea overall, but it's a rechargable heat source.

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Eyfura@reddit

Putting the foil blankets over the windows helps trap heat in the car and offers some privacy. I used to roll the edge up in the window so they were like curtains.

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lfcsupkings321@reddit

Uber eats sign up and earn some money.. Aim to cover a hotel stay. Am sure they do business insurance as well.

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NoodleSpecialist@reddit

Hi op. I feel like almost every possible advice has been given already, but i do have to ask, are you able to rent a room in someone's house for around £300-£350 a month? There's a few communities of non-nationals for whom it is common to rent out rooms in their house to people with shared values. These will be mostly limited to facebook groups. Do NOT use facebook marketplace as it is rife with scams.

This will give you access to possibly the cheapest way to have a private room with shared utilities, and most eastern europeans will not be too bothered by the dog, or if they are it will be because of the landlord

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GrandDuty3792@reddit

Typing in capitals about your dog is where I lose patience.

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Perpetua11y_C0nfused@reddit

Sorry to hear buddy! Things WILL get better. Been there and on the other side. Just regroup, and try to climb back up slowly. Dont rush to move into a flat until you’re back on steady income otherwise you’ll end up worse off.

Tips from someone who lived in her car for a while:

Sleeping bag. 4 season sleeping bag. Can pick these up for as little as £50. Absolute lifesaver for keeping warm at night.
Beanie. Keep your head covered!!! The majority of your warmth escapes through your head so sleep in a beanie!
24 hour Mcdonalds. - I know you said you’re staying outside your moms house, but if this should change, trust me, you want a bathroom nearby. Just dont park in their carpark cause you will get a ticket!
Be careful where you park!!! Lots of big car parks have limits and they will fine you!
Change your postal address to a friends/relatives and keep an eye. (I got in loads of trouble cause I didn’t change my address due to, well, not having one, and missed a speeding ticket. Had finally started to get on my feet a year later when the bailiffs turned up at my new flat). Joy!
Get a gym membership! Sounds crazy but roll with me on this one. I found a 24hr gym with a £20 per month membership. Didnt use a single machine. Used it for 24 hour access to a shower…. :)
Use your moms place to wash your clothes if you can. If not, laundromat. DO NOT SKIMP ON THIS!! If your clothes smell nobody will go near you and your job may be in danger.

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GotAnyNirnroot@reddit

The next few nights will get below freezing, so take care.

Being homeless at 16 and now many years past that, it makes me sad that your mother feels she has no space for you or that you feel she may not. There's always space.

I have had my two best friends stay at my flat many times due to housing issues and would never turn them down. They took the living room and I my bedroom and I made it work because that's what family does.

If you can fold your seats down and make a nice sized sleeping area then you could use a camping mat to make it a-bit more softer.

I do hope you can get something more suitable but in short term, that’s the best things to do. Treat it as if you are camping ⛺️ and how would you keep warm whilst camping.

I do hope things work out for you, please do reach out to the Colchester group, they can advise who’s best to speak to in our council or local support networks.

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muzzichuzzi@reddit

If you want a place to crash you can crash at one of my HMO’s in Blackburn and I live in Cheshire can help you with little amount of funds to get you going too.

Shout me out or drop me a DM.

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MattyLePew@reddit

This is incredibly kind of you OP! It warms my heart to see so many people trying to help a fellow Redditor out! ❤️

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37yearoldonthehunt@reddit

Try the local fb pages for free caravans. If you must sleep in your car insulation is key. Blankets on the windows, lots of layers above and on you. Hot water bottles for you and your dog and an electric blanket of you can plug in somehow.

Don't keep the car running overnight and don't have a naked flame inside. I'm sleeping in a half made van atm on a farm. Keeping warm and not catching a chest infection is hard but manageble. We have kept the dog at my mums but we do have a nice wool coat for her.

Best of luck dude, welcome to 2025 Britan where us full time working class can't afford a home of our own.

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andimacg@reddit

I don't know your financial situation, but if you can spare about £50 you could get yourself a USB thermal waistcoat and a power bank. Should keep you toasty warm through the night and your dog can cuddle up with you.

I only know about because I bought a couple as gifts for xmas and they have been very well received.

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MattyLePew@reddit

He says he has no funds until the end of the month. 😔

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Mobile_Budget7614@reddit

Really sorry to hear the situation you’re in.

I would sleep in a car 1000x over rather than give up my baby dog, I understand.

I think the best thing you could do right now is focus on other ways to make money like uber so you can have some instant money yk hope that helps dw dude you got this

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poultryeffort@reddit

Colchester feering travelodge has tonight and tomo night for £36 per night

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chroniccomplexcase@reddit

Layer as much under you as you do on top. If you can buy a camping/ yoga foam mat and some foil blankets, will help a lot. Hot water bottles too and a warm drink.

Contact homeless charities in your local area, they will know about what help locally is around.

In the future, going forward, could you rent with your sister? Will save you finding a full deposit and halve the rent.

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Falling-through@reddit

Hope the future improves for you, Dennis and the rest of your family.

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shrewdlogarithm@reddit

Your biggest issue will be someone calling the Police and saying you're living in a car (which is illegal ofc) - you will be moved-on regardless of where you are so I hope the dog doesn't bark/the neighbours are ok...

One of the biggest 'vanlife' issues is having a proper address - I assume your Mum is OK with you giving her address as 'home' - you need your licence/tax details/car registration up-to-date for a million reasons - don't forget that stuff.

I assume you can cook/shower etc. in her flat too (showers also possible in Gyms ofc.) - you'll also need somewhere to unwind/chill/relax, you can sleep in a car but spending your off-work-time in there as well will drive you insane pretty quickly (any internet cafes/other places you can go for that?)

To the people suggesting a caravan - that's harder to find a place for/more likely to get you moved-on but cheap caravans aren't too hard to find if you don't mind 80s decor and mould - living in your works yard is illegal tho so they're unlikely to love that idea!!

There are often 'cheap' sites for caravans but they lack ANY amenities, are often in the middle of nowhere and - well - not always ideal...

I would strongly suggest you start looking for flatshares/spare rooms - I know the dog will make that harder but I couldn't give-up my dog either and people renting 'direct' (not through an agent) will often take a pet (even if they say they won't) if you increase your deposit and they like you enough - or just lie and say you don't have one and smuggle him around! :)

GL - and remember to crack the windows at night unless you want a car like a swamp in a week or 3

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sheepwithascarf@reddit

I've not seen it mentioned yet in the other comments - you should check this out: https://www.dogstrusthopeproject.org.uk/owners/overview

This is Dogs Trust project helping homeless people and their dogs - it will hopefully show homeless projects in your area that are dog friendly and can help out. You should also take a look at their offer of free vet care, should your pup need it at this time.

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jacobsnemesis@reddit

Best of luck. Sounds tough. Use plenty of blankets at night. Wrap up as warm as you can during the winter months.

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ImpressNice299@reddit

He probably hadn't thought of that.

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Cfunk_83@reddit

I’ve got no solutions or suggestions beyond what others have said, but Colchester is my home town (although I don’t live there now), so your story struck a personal nerve. Hope stuff improves mate.

It’s good that you’ve got a job, could you not save up some cash for a deposit to rent somewhere? Some places will take a dog too.

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thedummyman@reddit

Cars get cold very quickly. In practical terms you may find the passenger’s side more comfy as it does not have pedals and a steering wheel. A decent sleeping bag will make the world of difference, if you are near an Army Surplus shop see what they have in stock. I still use a feather down ex Dutch Army bag I bought many years ago. Wear a beanie hat and make sure your shoulders are inside the bag, you will keep warm and sleep better. You also need to think how you can keep your dog warm and watered, maybe a dog bed or some folded blankets in the driver’s footwell and a water bowl where it will not spill.

Take all the other advice about how to get out from sleeping in the car as soon as practical. It is short term solution.

I am sorry this has happened to you. It sounds like your whole family has had a rough time recently. I hope you and your sister can get back on your feet and be there to support each other, your mum and your brother. 🙏

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Bright-Context-3758@reddit

Hey, sleeping in your car with your dog is honestly not that bad. I’ve done it for months before. You need to be very organised, have a fan to prevent condensation. Check out r/urbancarliving

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Fitnessgrac@reddit

I can’t recommend how much better it would be to be inside. Cars just hold zero heat.

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Can you use your mother's flat for showers / some cooking / as a postal address?

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kh250b1@reddit

r/vanlife might give you tips

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Classic_Second8302@reddit

Layers underneath you are as valuable as layers on top of you. I often sleep in my car and with a sleeping/foam matt and blanket under me, and a half decent sleeping bag (or couple of duvets) and a hot water bottle on my feet when I get into bed, I don't find it cold. Decent thick socks or even slipper socks over a pair of normal socks helps too.

If your car is drafty, try also sleeping with a hat on, gloves too if you want but you use lots of heat from your head. If you have a few quid, look in the charity shop for wool blankets - wool is an incredible insulator and one or two wool blankets over & under can make all the difference.

Try and get into bed warm if you can, I know it sounds weird but jump out and do 25 star jumps before you get into your bag to sleep...staying warm is much easier than getting warm.

If you can go to your mum's or have a small camping stove, try and have something warm to eat or drink right before bed.

Make sure you're not leaving any interior lights on or it will drain the battery.

You can make window covers from silver backed bubble insulation, I have a whole roll if you need - I'm near Harwich.

I hope your situation improves and you didn't have to consider these things for long.

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westcabiria@reddit

I slept in my car for a couple of years without a heater. I hope you manage to overcome what you’re going through currently.

I’d suggest that you make some window coverings that you can put up to give you some privacy and some additional insulation. I made some by cutting cardboard out in the shape of the windows with bubble foil glued to the window facing side. Keep a window slightly cracked to avoid too much condensation building up inside the car. If you can, get yourself a hot water bottle or two and a cheap camping stove to heat the water, they last a surprising amount of time and will give a large improvement comfort wise. Look on Freecycle or Facebook to find a small fold out foam bed, it’ll keep you a lot warmer than an air mattress. If I remember anything else I’ll add it in later. Best of luck.

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Footner@reddit

Oh my this is about to be me next week for a few months at least, so interested

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SaltShakerXL@reddit

Get some cardboard and cut out inserts to go in the windows. They will help with temperature and give some privacy as well as block light (less of an issue this time of year).

Fold seats down and sleep as flat as possible. Your body will thank you. Not to mention it keeps some sense of normality.

Battery packs/power banks are invaluable and many people have them laying around unused.

Do not use open flames such as camp stoves for heat. The space is too small and carbon monoxide is a serious hazard.

Be wary of drinking alcohol. It’s possible to be done for drink driving (drunk in charge) while only sleeping in a vehicle. At the least do not have the keys in the vehicle at the same time.

Genuine question, why do you have a dog in your situation? Isn’t it an unnecessary additional burden on your current financial situation? It’s a tough situation you’re in and I really hope you can find the help you need.

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ME-McG-Scot@reddit

YouTube and watch a few videos. There’s people that full time live in their car, I’ve watched a few and its quite impressive some of the stuff they do to cook food, keep warm etc.

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urghconfuddled@reddit

Insulate the car as best you can i.e. bubble wrap or foil on the windows. Keep the dog with you in the car for warmth. Layer up as much as you can and park the car in a way that shelters it best. Make a hot water bottle each night to take with you into the car. Ventilate the car each day so that it's aired and clears out any bugs.

The only other things I can advise that hasn't been suggested already is if you're struggling financially overall to go to your GP and register with them for the food banks etc.

Are you intentionally or unintentionally homeless?

Might be worth having a look.

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shamen123@reddit

What area are you in as there may also be local charities that can help.

In terms of the council, they have to home you if you have been made homeless (such as being evicted). However if you have intentionally made yourself homeless (such as leaving a house voluntarily for whatever reason) they don't have to house you.

Where in the UK are you? Your local council has to find you somewhere but they can make it a bit arduous. They will need a bunch of docs, bank statements and maybe proof you didn't make yourself homeless.

Some charities provide sleeping bags etc for people who are sleeping out. Might be worth it as it's still getting cold. Good luck.

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KrustyNug@reddit (OP)

I’m in Colchester, Essex

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rawcane@reddit

I don't know Colchester but I guess start here https://cbhomes.org.uk/find-a-home/homelessness/

Maybe https://agewelleast.org.uk/other-helpful-organisations/colchester-night-shelter/ can offer something in the meantime and might help you through the process.

For now drink hot drinks and get as many blankets as you can. Cars get a lot colder than people think when they're not running.

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Ok_Courage2850@reddit

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KrustyNug@reddit (OP)

I’m in the uk, Colchester Essex

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JGreazy081@reddit

I was in similar situation a few years ago, in the cold I did manage. Although it isn’t sustainable. Definitely sleep even on the floor in the property if you can, you’ll sleep significantly better otherwise you’ll be completely drained. If that’s really not an option and you have to wait for the council as the other comment advised, get plenty of blankets/big coat, I preferred to get window coverings for privacy and minimal light protection, and I preferred to leave the window cracked slightly even when it was cold (although it wasn’t icy/snowy, probably 1-2 degrees) otherwise the condensation is awful.

You’ll be freezing in the mornings, so depending on your car you’ll want to have it running for a bit to warm up if you can’t go into the flat.

After a couple of weeks my situation wa and, I ended up surviving in the car overnight then going to my mates flat to have a nap in his bed after he went to work, and a shower before leaving. I was lucky I had that option otherwise I would have been feeling significantly worse.

Also, if you’re not a heavy sleeper then you get woken constantly and when it’s colder it’s much more difficult to get back to sleep.

Depending on the parking situation there’s a chance a nosy neighbour will knock on your window or report you as well.

So, go on someone’s floor if you can it’s just better.

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