I’m employed but homeless- what would be the best advice you could give me ?

Posted by Interesting-Art-4127@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 38 comments

I am currently homeless due to addictions which have now been dealt with. I have a full time job earning 32k a year however, I don’t know how to come out of this situation I’m in of having no roof over my head. I accumulated a debt of around 7k and my credit file isn’t the best. I do keep on top with minimum payments etc but it’s so hard getting accommodation with bad credit and no references. I have been living out of hotels for the past 4 months (which become expensive and with no means to cook and clean clothes etc it all adds up) I just wanted advice on what I should do to get into my own place ?

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HoboStrider@reddit

I've been in this situation for years but my employment is really on and off. I'm on a good streak with addictions but really just need a stable job to get a room.

Just want to sympathise it sucks not having a kitchen. I've had some kitchens in some places but then had drawbacks on people being filthy.

It's so bad for my health. I never used to eat ready meals but lucky it's summer so I can have salads. Once I sort my life out this will never be happening again.

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Pockysocks@reddit

Apply for council housing. Being homeless would make you a priority for housing. They will likely put you in temporary accommodation until a permanent home is available.

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qash001@reddit

This is hilarious. Have you ever needed accommodation from any council?

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Pockysocks@reddit

Many people do, yes. There's nothing wrong with living in a council property.

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factualreality@reddit

No, there isnt, but a single person with no kids is absolutely not a priority.

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New-Trifle-483@reddit

Who do you think one bedroom council properties are allocated to? They are not allocated to people with children!

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Ok-Custard-214@reddit

Wrong

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Pockysocks@reddit

Homeless is one of the highest priorities.

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Interesting-Art-4127@reddit (OP)

Unfortunately, I’d have to disagree. I do agree with the fact it should be a priority but there’s certain requirements that need to be met for you to be prioritised. A single male with no kids is at the bottom of the list. I do understand why, a pregnant female or single female with kids should definitely be prioritised before myself. In fact you’ll come to find I’d be at the top of the list if I wasn’t clean or working. I do appreciate your advice however, in my case it’s near enough impossible.

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Pockysocks@reddit

How many points have they given you when you applied?

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qash001@reddit

I've been in your situation and my advice to you in another comment is exactly how i got through.

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qash001@reddit

I didn't say there's anything wrong with it, what I find strange is that you suggest it as though it's an easy and quick solution to OP's circumstances.

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Pockysocks@reddit

OP didn't ask for easy and quick solution. He asked for advice on getting his own place.

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Bubbly-Air7302@reddit

Oh god, I have been here myself. Do whatever you can to not stay in hotels as it will deplete your funds very quickly. I had to stay in a shelter for 4 months before getting housing assistance. I’d look for a cheap Airbnb or spare room if you can. Being homeless is so stressful - for me, it’s had long term impacts that I’m still struggling with. So sorry you are dealing with this. Maybe your local council can help.

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Interesting-Art-4127@reddit (OP)

I appreciate your response. I’m sorry your experience of being homeless is having a long term impact- and I really hope you can heal from this one day. I mean I’m pretty sure I won’t forget my experience for the rest of my life but I’m just trying to enjoy the journey and use it as a springboard to do better and want better for myself. Hopefully one day I can use my experience in a positive way to make positive changes so as few others experience the same walk.

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Sea-Still5427@reddit

Speak to the charity Step Change to get help consolidating your debt. One way might be to take out a new card that gives you 12-18 months 0% interest on new transfers, or convert it to a loan. Minimum balance on a credit card is just a very expensive loan really.

See if you can find a room as a lodger to tide you over till you can save a deposit.

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Interesting-Art-4127@reddit (OP)

Thanks for the advice. Appreciate you not only addressing the housing issue but the debt consolidation.

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Key-Seaworthiness227@reddit

First, I really hope that you are proud of what you have achieved so far 💕.

As others have said, look at spare room, lodger situations, HMOs. It’s a long way back but you’ve done so much of the hard work already (getting clean and being employed are massive things).

Best of luck x

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Interesting-Art-4127@reddit (OP)

I really appreciate your comment. It’s having supportive, kind people like yourself in the world, that help and motivate people that have made bad choices - to start making the right ones. No one is proud of making bad choices and I’ve found how difficult it is for people like myself to be proud of making the right ones when you finally do. Your comment definitely drives me to keep on the right path. I appreciate your advice and motivation💕

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Existingsquid@reddit

Have you saved up any cash?

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Interesting-Art-4127@reddit (OP)

No, any cash I had saved up was spent on my addictions, as I mentioned them poor choices have also put me in debt of c7k. I’ve been clean and employed for the past 5 months and I don’t think I would have any issues saving up money were I in some form of more stable accommodation. I make minimum payments on my debts, pay for hotels and food. It’s difficult saving money when you’re paying ~£50 a night for a roof over your head. As I have no liabilities currently, I have access to all my wage on pay days but it’s just about figuring how I put this to better use so I actually have money there being put into savings at the end of the month.

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qash001@reddit

Depending on where in the UK you are the local authorities may have services available for your situation. Depending on your circumstances they may or may not prioritise you for housing, but some do offer help for deposits etc.

Don't stay in hotels, they're expensive. Stay in a long term Airbnb until you get back on your feet.

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MountainMuffin1980@reddit

Lodger for initially to get some stability before renting. I would suggest cslling shelter as they'll be best placed to advise.

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Mjukplister@reddit

Become a lodger or rent a room in an HMO . Sit tight and get steady .

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AlGunner@reddit

Get specialist advice is the best advice. As someone said, start with Shelter. I used to do volunteer work with the homeless and the local charities often have connections that can help you so it might be worth seeing if there are any where you live. At the end of the day it cant hurt to ask.

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Akash_nu@reddit

If you’re staying at hotels, why can’t you find long term rentals? It will be cheaper for sure.

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LavishnessWise@reddit

Buy a van and get a gym membership. Cheap housing and can get fit and healthy at the same time. Good luck.

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Uhura-hoop@reddit

It sounds stressful, I understand why you’d be worried about the situation. Do your utmost to not compromise your employment, and honestly, good luck with it. You’ve been through tough times before and came through the other side. You’ve absolutely can do it again. Start small, and save as much as you can.

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Repulsive_State_7399@reddit

Speak to shelter and your local council, there are schemes that run to help you with the deposit. It might also be worth speaking to stepchange, they can help you sort out the debits.

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Curly_Edi@reddit

Lodger, look on spareroom.co.uk for a live in landlord situation.

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Happy_Chief@reddit

Lodger, long-term Airbnb, spare room, then place of your own.

Unfortunately, the only way out is through, so you have to build back up to where you were ):.

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redberrrrry@reddit

Being a lodger is usually a,way around it.

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chalkhomunculus@reddit

i cant give more advice on permenant housing than what has already been said, but have you considered getting a room in a hostel rather than a hotel for now? they tend to be cheaper and have cooking facilities, and you can usually get private rooms rather than shared if you'd prefer that (though shared is cheaper)

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BulkyAccident@reddit

Speak to Shelter.

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