Homelessness at 34 weeks pregnant?

cte1111

Ria have you checked out freecycle / freegle for baby things? If you can get these for free, then you might be able to put some money towards your deposit fund. You might also be able to find a microwave on there, so you'd be prepared to do some cooking in your room if necessary.

Good luck, it's hard being pregnant and not very well. I hope you and your bf manage to work out how to find somewhere to live.

RiaPenido

Amanda65 wrote: »

I was one of the posters on your thread 14 weeks ago and am pleased to hear that your OH has managed to secure a job. Did you explore the possibility of temp work as I (and many others) advised? You said in your original thread that you had saved up 50% of the wages your OH earnt when he was working at M&S - is this part of your £300 savings?



Speak to the housing officer then about your condition and give them a letter from your doctor / midwife confiming it. As for the food, surely OH could bring in supplies for the following day so you don't have to go shopping?



My Mum couldn't breastfeed and I managed to successfully feed all three of mine for 4 months each - try not to worry about problems that may not exist!



At 17/18 and a student you shouldn't have paid taxes - if you have contact the Inland Revenue as you may be due a rebate.


Also, without wanting to appear too nosey (and feel free not to answer) you do not mention your parents other than the reference to your Mum and breastfeeding. Is there no possibility of staying with them, even if only temporarily while you save some more. Or equally could your OH's parents 'convert' a dining room into a temporary room for a few weeks (realise this may not be possible as I have no idea of the size / payout of their house).

I've been trying to get my tax returns sorted for a while and my boyfriends but it's all quite new to me lol!

The savings we previously had went on baby things and living whilst he was unemployed. We had to start nearly all over again which was a major setback!

If I was to give them a letter do you think that they'd listen and find me a room maybe on the ground floor? Are they allowed to ignore my requests?

And my mum has no room to house me, we have a very on and off relationship and it's not a good environment, also she's back with ex partner who I don't feel comfortable living with.
OH's parents have a double bedroom free, we're currently in the single. They don't want us here at all under any circumstace. They don't like me very much

Thanks

Lancslass1982

I have nothing constructive to add to this thread, but occasionally I read threads on this forum that cause my blood to boil slightly and this is one of them!

Bit late now, but how did you envision providing housing for yourselves and the baby before you got pregnant? Yes, yes, accidents happen. Strange though that people manage to use contraception correctly and responsibly and have sex for years and years and not get pregnant, until they are in a stable position where they can provide for said baby.

I don't think, OP, that you are exactly in a position to be picky and should be extremely grateful for any help that is given.

Amanda65

RiaPenido wrote: »

I've been trying to get my tax returns sorted for a while and my boyfriends but it's all quite new to me lol!

The savings we previously had went on baby things and living whilst he was unemployed. We had to start nearly all over again which was a major setback!

If I was to give them a letter do you think that they'd listen and find me a room maybe on the ground floor? Are they allowed to ignore my requests?

And my mum has no room to house me, we have a very on and off relationship and it's not a good environment, also she's back with ex partner who I don't feel comfortable living with.
OH's parents have a double bedroom free, we're currently in the single. They don't want us here at all under any circumstace. They don't like me very much

Thanks

Phone the Inland Revenue and speak to them - they can be very helpful if you get someone nice.

Has your OH spoken to his parents about the spare room, even if only using it for a while? Surely they wouldn't want to see their son and grandchild homeless for the sake of a few more weeks? Sometimes you need to swallow your pride and admit that the situation is far from ideal but you are trying to make the best of the situation.

With regard to the housing situation, speak to your midwife and she may have some information about whether or not your condition will be considered.

I know everything is hard when you are pregnant but without wanting to sound too harsh, you have had several months between you to sort yourself out and spending money on the baby should have come second to a roof over your heads. Can you return anything you have bought that might not be essential and put this towards a deposit?

bigmomma051204

RiaPenido wrote: »

I've been trying to get my tax returns sorted for a while and my boyfriends but it's all quite new to me lol!

The savings we previously had went on baby things and living whilst he was unemployed. We had to start nearly all over again which was a major setback!

If I was to give them a letter do you think that they'd listen and find me a room maybe on the ground floor? Are they allowed to ignore my requests? It isnt a case of ignoring or not ignoring your requests - they are required to listen to your case and of course take into account any needs that you have (medical or otherwise) BUT they are bound but what they have to work with - ie, if there is only a room in that particular b&b for the time when u need to be housed, then that is their only choice! In which case, better that you struggle upstairs for a few weeks than sleep in a shop doorway...

And my mum has no room to house me, we have a very on and off relationship and it's not a good environment, also she's back with ex partner who I don't feel comfortable living with.
OH's parents have a double bedroom free, we're currently in the single. They don't want us here at all under any circumstace. They don't like me very much Which is fair enough - they have raised their son to the age where he is now classed as an adult and is evidently able to have adult relationships where babies are produced. They have no DUTY to house him, let alone you....

Thanks

Again, see replies in red

robpw2

i feel like jeremy kyle saying this but at 18 years old and 34 weeks pregnant you are just prooving exactly why your not old enough to have a child .
you have had 34 weeks to plan what will happen when the baby is born and it despairs me to think that you appear to have done no planning whatsoever - i am guessing the "baby" was a mistake ? because if you planned to get pregnant in your situation then you really have serious problems

you need to accept the offer of a b and b and save some money in order to pay for a deposit on a house so that you and your partner can provide for your child - you can get a deposit paid for (on pvt housing) through local council schemes if you go and see your local housing association they should be able to give you a list of estate agents who will have propities that will accept such a scheme if you decide that living in a b and b is not for you.

onlyroz

Regarding the food - as others have said, you can get a microwave for dead cheap (around £25). You can also buy electric cooking rings, e.g.:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lloytron-E832-2250W-Table-Twin/dp/B0019DX41O/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1335177625&sr=8-3

With these you will be able to cook many different things and will not have to rely on takeaways or cold food.

Also, if you or your boyfriend are completely unable to do any shopping then you can get online deliveries from most supermarkets. You can often find vouchers (e.g. on myvouchercodes.co.uk) that will cover the cost of delivery.

In addition, do you expect your mobility problems to continue once the baby is born? Or are they unrelated to your pregnancy?

ema_o

It's been a while since I was looking for housing in London, but I used Gumtree.com in the past successfully.
You may have to look at a less desireable area in order to find something affordable. I think you need to save for a deposit first / baby stuff second. There isn't that much you need for a newborn & you can pick up a lot second hand, but if you have no where to live that would be worst!
I would agree with the breastfeeding suggestion. I know it isn't for everyone for me what made the difference was having the right support especially in the early days. There are support organisations, and breastfeeding cafes around me so there must be something you can get to in London!

j.e.j.

RiaPenido wrote: »

Okay I didn't know I was going to be crucified for asking for help.

You don't know some of the people on here, then, do you :rotfl:

No, but seriously, some posters have actually offered constructive advice. Granted, others seem to just want to use your post as an opportunity for finger-wagging, self-righteousness, and to vent their spleen about teenaged parents and the 'unfair' system.

I hope things work out for you. You do sound quite mature for an 18-year-old, tbh.

*Robin*

RiaPenido wrote: »

The savings we previously had went on baby things and living whilst he was unemployed. We had to start nearly all over again which was a major setback!

OH's parents have a double bedroom free, we're currently in the single. They don't want us here at all under any circumstace. They don't like me very much

Babies don't need anything you can't find on Freecycle, so return all those cute but expensive and unnecessary purchases and put the money in your savings towards a deposit on a private rental. You will probably need a guarantor so with that in mind:

Maybe you should try harder to make yourself agreeable to your in-laws? If you're not working you could take over doing the washing up every day, offer to cook (or help MIL if your skills need improving). Hoover round and clean the bathroom without being asked, and generally make your presence in their home a positive thing. Presumably you are contributing to the extra household expenses caused by your living there?
Once you have made a good relationship with your in-laws, perhaps they'd be prepared to act as your Guarantors?

A friend of mine works in the council housing department of a popular south-east town. She told me they are getting an increasing number of priority requests from ex-forces personnel, and these are the people whose bids are successful for the very few houses and flats that come up. Girls in your position OP, are given a B&B or if very lucky, a supervised hostel place with child-care and support, until they can sort out their lives and move on to a private rental.

Good Luck OP, you've not chosen an easy path but as you can see from reading on here, many people have helped themselves through hard work, determination and self-discipline. It's a valuable lesson that will set you up for your life ahead with your new family.