HOMELESSNESS is all too evident in Coventry and Warwickshire.
People sleeping rough on the streets of the city and the county’s town centres has become a common sight.
But there is also a growing ‘hidden homeless’ problem.
The hidden homeless tend to be young people, who, for many reasons, find themselves with no permanent place to call home.
They are often forced to seek temporary accommodation on the floor or on the sofa of a friend.
A recent national poll found nearly one in ten young people had stayed with friends for more than a month.
It can leave young people feeling isolated and can also have emotionally-damaging long-term effects.
An Observer reporter spoke to a young man who found himself homeless for six months last year.
The 21-year-old, who wanted to remain anonymous, saw his life change dramatically, after a family dispute left him without a roof over his head.
He told The Observer: “I was forced to leave my home in May due to an on going family dispute.
“I had no idea what first steps would need to be taken in order to find fixed accommodation, and felt pretty hopeless at the time.
“I kept my problem secret from my friends and employers, and did my best to tackle the problem alone.
One of the main challenges he faced with seeking help was the stigma and the embarrassment of admitting his situation.
“I quickly realised I needed as much help as I could get in order to stay in work and stay off the streets.
“I was fortunate enough to have a friend willing to let me stay on his sofa for a couple of weeks – but I never wanted to overstay my welcome even when my situation got desperate.
“Those couple of weeks turned into six months and I had to keep looking in different places for accommodation.
He stayed with several family members who could house him on a short-term basis and moved between five of his friend’s houses.
Despite his limited support network and his employment being located in Warwick, he was forced to travel as far as Coventry to find accommodation.
“I was fortunate enough to only spend a few nights out on the streets and I feel for those who have to do that everyday.
“I ended up in some uncomfortable situations which I don’t want to talk about now, but I had no choice but to endure it.
He declared himself homeless after three months, but says help was limited. He received no emotional support and limited guidance on everything apart from applying for a council house.
“Without any real help from the council, and relying on the hospitality of a generous friend, it became more demotivating and made me feel increasingly guilty as the days went by.
“I was forced to rely on others that had little themselves which was demoralising, yet inspiring at the same time, as what they had they were happy to share.
“I met others in the same situation as me, who told me they had declared themselves homeless as far back as 2014.
“I was shocked at this, and wondered how long I would have to wait.
He managed to hold down two jobs during this challenging period.
“I felt completely isolated by the situation. I didn’t know how I could get myself out of it and my self-belief decreased by the day as I continued to work.
“My sleeping pattern was seriously impacted, and I found it hard to get up for work in the morning.
He explained applying for council housing was also difficult with no easy access to internet and without knowledge of the process.
“When I finally declared myself homeless to the council, I was told to make an allocated five bids a week on available council properties, but some weeks I would only be eligible for two properties, and on occasion, none at all.
“I know some people who have been in the same situation as me but for three times as long.
“There isn’t enough affordable housing and that needs to change!”
Luckily he found a friend who needed accommodation and they now rent a flat together, although being able to pay the rent remains a constant headache.
Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “It’s a stain on our society that so many young homeless people are resorting to sleeping on sofas, in cars, and at worst, on cold and dangerous pavements.
“The numbers are a razor-sharp reminder we need to offer proper support to vulnerable young people when their families can’t or won’t.”
