A local woman who has lived in Mendip for years feels failed by the local Council after submitting a Homeless Application, only to be told that she’s not a priority, despite sleeping in her car for nearly a month.

The lady, named Edwina, previously struggled to keep up with rent payments due to financial hardship and lack of income. She said, “I’ve fallen through the cracks because I struggled to pay the rent, so I got evicted on the 31st October. I don’t blame the landlady for that. Work was sporadic and I just couldn’t keep up. Then to find yourself without somewhere to live and be told by the Council you are not a priority… age isn’t a factor for consideration either.”

Edwina received correspondence from Mendip Council which suggested that factors which make her more vulnerable as a homeless person, such as age and underlying health conditions, do not make her a priority in their re-homing system.

There are many factors which are affecting Edwina’s ability to find somewhere to live, including current financial difficulty.

“I turned down an offer for a property in Chard because I didn’t even have enough petrol in my car to drive to see it. I just didn’t have the resources to move there, it wasn’t do-able.”

Edwina continued, “I know this area - Frome, Shepton Mallet… I’ve worked all around here. I get lots of emails from agencies offering me work but I can’t because I haven’t got a place to live.”

Having no fixed address has made it impossible for Edwina to re-enter employment - which is something she is keen to do as soon as she is able to. Edwina has been working for over fourty years, and even ran her own business at one point.

“I’m happy to work, I’ve worked since I was 17 and contributed to society, I worked during the pandemic. You’d honestly think there would be some sort of safety net if this happens to you but how wrong was I?”

“I’m not asking for a palace. Just somewhere where I can start again, get back on my feet and get a job. I am employable - I have got qualifications. I know I can do the job I’m just stuck due to having no fixed address.”

“I want to work, it keeps the brain cells going. I may be 65 but I don’t feel it most of the time. I want to use my brain and earn a living and pay my way - I always have done.”

Edwina also resides with a small rescue dog from Romania called Willow. They have both been sleeping in her vehicle, despite temperatures plummeting as the winter ploughs on.

“They’ve suggested I should look into putting the dog into foster care, but I’m worried that won’t be a temporary measure.”

“It might make it harder to find somewhere, but she’s no trouble - she’s not noisy, she’s not aggressive, doesn’t destroy things. When I lived in my own place my neighbours said they’d never hear her when I went to work. She’s well behaved and she’s only little, she doesn’t take up a lot of space.”

“I just have to hope that eventually I will find somewhere where I can be with Willow. I feel guilty for her too because it’s no life for her either. She’s a lovely natured dog.”

Edwina worries that as the cost of living crisis continues, more people will find themselves in financial hardship and at risk of homelessness.

“There’s no forward planning - there’s been a housing crisis for decades and it’s only going to get worse. They’ve just not invested enough. The population does grow and people do come into the country, but they’re not adjusting their resources in line with this.”

“With all these increases in mortgage rates, people will be unable to pay their mortgages and there will be more homelessness or people looking for social housing. Councils just aren’t equipped and I think it’s an issue that has been neglected”

Edwina reflected on a past job role where she was able to help others in the same vulnerable position as herself.

“Years ago, I worked for the probation service and we used to deal with homelessness and homeless people. We did not stop until we found a roof over their head. We did everything in our power and we succeeded every time. We didn’t give up and use excuses. And this was in the 70s when things were tough - Thatcher was in power making budget cuts. I just think if we could do it then, why can’t they do it now? We live in one of the top ten richest countries in the world and people are going to food banks. What is actually being done?

They can’t come up with solutions, just excuses.”

In terms of help, Edwina thinks the Council have been a disgrace.

“I can’t believe how inadequate these authorities are. They just quote processes and rules at you. It is meaningless when you’re in my position. I’d like them to walk a mile in my shoes and know what it’s like to feel like you aren’t important and not worth the effort.”

“BANES have been slightly better but it’s difficult for them because I haven’t lived under that authority long enough to qualify for social housing”

“I even reached out to the leader of Mendip Council. I have emailed both Jacob Rees-Mogg and David Warburton. David Warburton told me to get in touch with the housing department. It’s just words, nothing is done.”

“Decent people have kept me going, not the Council.”

Edwina muses over the situation and concludes; “I know I’m not the only one in this position. I know there are other people desperate for accommodation too. But it’s just so wrong the way the system is. They’ve shifted the responsibility not only onto the housing associations, but also onto me.”

“I’ve got to find a private rental place but obviously being in arrears previously works against me. Keeping in contact with people isn’t easy because living in a car there’s no access to electricity and not always able to keep phone charged.”

“I’m trying to get help from the right sources but it’s not easy.”

The Journal reached out to both B&NES and Mendip councils for comment regarding this issue.

B&NES Council said: “Our Housing Options and Homelessness Team aims to prevent people becoming homeless by working with them, their extended families and landlords. While we are currently experiencing very high demand, anyone at risk of homelessness should not hesitate to contact the team, for housing advice and assistance. Anyone worried about their housing situation should call us on 01225 396296 during office hours five days a week.”

If you think you can help Edwina, please refer to the advert listed at top right hand side of this page.

The Journal has compiled a list of resources to contact if you or someone you know finds themself at risk of homelessness:

One Stop Shop: a drop-in service run by B&NES Council in Bath(3-4 Manvers Street), Keynsham(Library & Information Service, Civic Centre) or Midsomer Norton(Library & Information Service, The Hollies). Visit beta.bathnes.gov.uk/find-library-or-information-and-advice-service for more information and opening times.

Mendip Council: call the Housing Options Team on 0300 303 8588 or visit www.mendip.gov.uk/article/7968/Homelessness for further advice.

Julian House: a charity that supports vulnerable and at-risk individuals, including adults and young people experiencing homelessness. Visit www.julianhouse.org.uk or call: 01225 354650 for general enquiries.

Shelter: a national charity who ‘exist to defend the right to a safe home’ - visit england.shelter.org.uk or call their emergency helpline on 0808 800 4444.