A DISABLED mother of five has been living in a car for more than a year after being told she is not vulnerable enough to be housed by the council.
Sarah Wakeman said she has to endure freezing cold and constant fear while staying in an old Volkswagen Golf.
She is surviving on £70 a week in disability living allowance.
Her council in Spelthorne, Surrey, said the 41-year-old meets criteria for housing but she is not a priority, despite having lived in the vehicle since June 2012.
The former mental health worker, who suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome (ME) and has a debilitating muscle condition, is forced to sleep at roadsides and in a church car park. ‘It’s degrading to have to find somewhere to clean your teeth, go to the toilet and ask if you can have a cup of hot water to put your coffee in,’ she said.
‘I’m not classified as being on the street as I have a car. They say I’m not a priority, even for temporary accommodation.’ Spelthorne council said: ‘Generally, single adults who are homeless and without significant health problems would not be provided with emergency accommodation.’
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7 Responses
I’m almost in the same boat as her at the moment. I have a van now but I get no gov benefits. If anyone in the Broward County area or anywhere in Florida has some land or a lot where I can stay please let me know a.s.a.p. It’s just me and my dog. spaman12345@yahoo.com
Whre are the children? Not with her in a Volkswagon or she would have lost her mind. I applaude her but I think surely there is more to this story.
So just how bad do things have to be before this woman is classified as disabled?
Wouldn’t it be wonderful for her to have even a sound campervan style unit so she can be comfortable and be able to make a hot drink or meal?
Government Housing is all wrong, to the homeless person a simple lock up safe campervan or caravan and annex is a palace….they just don’t get it…
What this really say is she is not minority enough…if she had just crossed the border illegally she would be living high and dry.
Mother of five yet a single adult? Where are her kids?
sarah, find a room for rent in a cheapish area and the Council will help with rent ,especially seen as you are disabled. come on now give it a try
So this is what our goverment means when it talks about ‘We are putting the GREAT back in Britian.’ I lived on the streets for over 3years.
No one should live like this in this day n age.