An 18-year-old from Guildford has resorted to sleeping in his car and crowdfunding for survival after becoming homeless.

Overcoming the Struggles of Homelessness

Sleeping in his car and relying on others for food, Sebastian, 18, said he has been “barely” managing in the last month. The teenager, “out of desperation”, set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for food and a temporary shelter at the start of July.

“I had absolutely nothing,” Sebastian said, reflecting on why he set up a fundraiser on July 11. He said he started the page with the hope that maybe, even just a few people would donate so he could at least get some food. “It was out of desperation,” Sebastian said, “I just felt it was at least worth a try to see if anyone was willing to help.”

Living Circumstances and Employment Challenges

Source: https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/guildford-teenager-forced-sleep-car-29634740

Due to family issues, Sebastian had to leave his home near Guildford at the end of June. Since then, he has been living out of a company car from his apprenticeship at a mechanics shop. Small and uncomfortable, Sebastian said he has had “sleepless nights” in the car. “I often come into work incredibly tired,” he said “which then impacts my work and I’m struggling to maintain it.”

Trying to stay close by to the mechanics shop, he said there are not many places he can go and park up for the night without fear of being seen or having the police called. “A lot of the time I don’t feel safe,” Sebastian said. He added there have been multiple times where he has woken up to people knocking at the window at bizarre times in the morning, asking for directions or other strange requests.

Community Support and Fundraising Success

Raising just over £1,200 so far, Sebastian was able to take his own car out of the garage and onto the road. “At least I’ve got some kind of roof,” he said. The mechanics company could not let Sebastian keep the car long term, but with the GoFundMe money he was able to renew his insurance.

Speaking to the local democracy reporting services (LDRS), Sebastian said his colleagues understand his situation, but not everyone has enough space for him. He has one friend who lets him stay over, shower and have some food, but he is not always around.

Wishing to get into temporary accommodation, Sebastian said he “does not have much hope”.

Challenges with Local Authorities

Sebastian said he contacted Guildford Borough Council after becoming homeless but struggled to navigate the system.

He was told to apply for the housing register but was wary he could be waiting for over three years for a one-bedroom flat.

When contacting the housing team, applicants are often asked for personal details like bank statements. But the eighteen-year-old was frustrated with the administrative process and lack of a concrete offer for temporary housing. “I’ve been having to do all this for four weeks by myself,” he said.

Youth Homelessness Statistics

An estimated 135,800 young people aged 16-24 presented to councils as homeless, or at risk of homelessness in 2022/23. Research by London School of Economics (LSE) and New Horizon Youth Centre found young people often do not feel listened to or understood by local authorities.

Many formal support services designed to protect children disappear when a young person turns 18, meaning they must learn to navigate adult services overnight.

Council's Response and Resources

A spokesperson for the council said: “We understand that a happy, healthy life in a safe and secure home is important for all of our residents. We do all we can to prevent homelessness in our borough. Sometimes this is not always possible, but our commitment to finding solutions and providing support remains unwavering.”

Guildford Council has confirmed it has done its statutory duty and although the council is unable to comment on individual cases, it encourages anyone at risk of or experiencing homelessness to reach out to the Housing Services team. You can also get help with homelessness on the website: https://guildford.gov.uk/homelessness.

The spokesperson said: “When working with anyone with a housing issue it is important for us to work holistically. We consider the circumstances that led to their homelessness and take steps to ensure that future housing is affordable, manageable, and sustainable in the longer term.

“Regardless of age or need, the speed at which we can resolve a homelessness issue is often impacted by factors outside our control. There is a national shortage of housing, particularly accommodation that is affordable for people on low incomes or those reliant on welfare benefits.

“People at risk of or experiencing homelessness can help speed things up by responding promptly to calls and emails and providing any documents we request as soon as possible. It is also helpful to have realistic expectations about what can be achieved in terms of the type of accommodation, location, and affordability.

“If you’re worried about your housing, are sofa surfing or think your home may be at risk please do not delay, contact us at the earliest opportunity. Contact us using our customer services online form, call 01483 505050 or email: [email protected]

“Single adults aged 18 and over will usually be referred to the Homeless Outreach and Support Team (HOST). This is the community-based service the council commissions to help prevent homelessness and end rough sleeping.

“You can also contact the HOST team directly via email: [email protected], or call 01483 302495.”

Click here for Sebastian’s GoFundMe page.