My friend has been homeless in london for about 6 months. During that time, he has slept at different friends houses, but most of the time, he has been sleeping in his car.
But now his car has been towed away because the tax disk has expired. He can't afford to pay to get it back because he is unemployed, and the car is soon to be destroyed along with all his belongings inside.
He does not want to be on the streets at christmas. What should he do? The local council wont help him get a flat, and he has no job to afford the rent for a room. He is only 24.
Any ideas, people?
2006-11-26 21:15:50 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Welcome to Blair's Britain. It sounds like your mate is stuffed, sad to say. Hostels? Salvation Army? Gloomy way to spend Christmas.
2006-11-26 21:19:19 · answer #1 · answered by Barks-at-Parrots 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are lots of things to do, assuming he is physically and mentally able. First off, he should find out how to be properly homeless -- he needs to find out where he can get food and emergency shelter. It is only getting colder right now, and like any big city I'm sure London has many organizations that help people in his situation. Secondly he needs to work at finding some way of making a living. There are lots of crappy jobs out there that can still be worth it to take on if you're desperate. Secondly, if he is affiliated with a church, he should seek help there. Someone may be willing to employ him for odd jobs and once he gains trust of the church community more jobs will come his way. The last suggestion is to join the military. I know that can really suck, but they also feed and clothe you, and allow you to save up money, which is probably better than the alternative.
2006-11-27 05:34:31 · answer #2 · answered by Julian A 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been in his position - when I was about 19. I hit the same barriers then and we're some 20-odd years down the line - looks like nothings improved for the unfortunates who find themselves in this position.
I tried every hostel and shelter in North London and was turned away from every one of them as they were full, or I couldn't afford the fees.
He needs to ask the police if he can have his belongings back from his car - surely that can't be too difficult for them to allow - it is, after all the season of goodwill?!
He just needs to keep trying the shelters I'm afraid - failing that it's nights under the arches - it was ok in 1985, but you do get bothered by drunks ans people who seem to want to sing all night!
Tell him not to give up - I got out of it in the end, and he will too.
2006-11-27 05:32:04 · answer #3 · answered by Phlodgeybodge 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it will be a long road, but by going to a homeless persons hostel, your friend will at least have an address. that way, he will be able to apply for jobs. that way, he may also be able to get housing thru the hostel, or maybe he can save up his money and just rent a bedsit or something til things improve. the best thing would be for your friend to go to his local CAB, or advice centre.
2006-11-27 05:31:49 · answer #4 · answered by lil missy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he is trurly your buddy you can let him stay at your place (if you are in london) or hook him up with someone in london, then let him do work without discrimination to get money to pay his tax. I am sure he is strong enough to do any job presented to him.
2006-11-27 05:25:56 · answer #5 · answered by ngina 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My advise to him is to get off his Lazy Ar's and get a job or try and join the Army he ought to be ashamed of him self at that age.
2006-11-27 05:32:16 · answer #6 · answered by LJ 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Join the military. They will feed, clothe, house and educate him. However, my guess is he is otherwise unemployable (no knowledge, skills, and/or abilities) and/or on drugs.
2006-11-27 05:27:42 · answer #7 · answered by tom_terrific73 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's YOUR friend. If you're that bothered, let him stay at YOUR house?!
Otherwise tell him to find a hostel, and if he tries to sell me the big issue again, I'll spit on him.
2006-11-27 05:19:56 · answer #8 · answered by le_coupe 4 · 0⤊ 6⤋