I’m being forced to live in tiny car after being made homeless – I won’t make it through the winter
AN NHS ambulance worker has been forced to live in his tiny car after being made homeless - and says he won't survive the winter.
Bogumil Kusiba, 54, has been sleeping in his silver Volkswagen Fox since being made homeless on September 27.
The healthcare worker was subletting a property in Cambrian Grove, Gravesend, but was given notice to leave by the end of September after his landlord announced he was selling up.
But he has been unable to find somewhere affordable due to most places requiring the first month’s rent and a deposit upfront.
This has totalled almost £2,000 in some cases - money Bogumil claims he does not have.
"It was unfortunate timing as it was also an expensive month for me with other bills," he told Kent Online.
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As a result, Bogumil, who works for the London Ambulance Service maintaining and replenishing the equipment, has been sleeping in his work’s car park in Barnehurst, Bexley, as it is safer than the streets.
In order to sleep, he has to recline the front seat of his vehicle and cover himself in three blankets and three thick coats to stay warm.
“I am so desperate to get out of my car,” Bogumil added. “I have a roof but it is not the same as having a room. I can put my seat all the way back but it is not a bed.
“People are surprised when I tell them I am homeless because I have a job, I am washed and my clothes are clean.
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“It could happen to anybody. There is no t-shirt to declare we are homeless, it is not necessarily obvious to see."
Bogumil revealed that he has been homeless once before but never expected to find himself in that situation again.
Fortunately, he has been able to use the microwave, showers and communal facilities at his workplace.
The only thing he cannot do is wash his clothes, so a friend is letting him use the washing machine at their property.
He is also able to store his belongings at another location.
London Ambulance Service's Chief People Officer, Damian McGuiness, said: "We are deeply saddened that our colleague Mr Kusiba is in such a difficult situation and are committed to helping him through this.
"His managers continue to provide him with support for his wellbeing and have signposted him to charities and local services that may be able to provide additional aid.
"While we are proud to be a London Living Wage employer, we recognise the cost of living has a significant impact on many across the capital.
"We will be working with him to ensure his working rotas are suitable for the very challenging position he finds himself in and are exploring other ways that we can provide immediate assistance.
"All of our staff can apply for grants through our London Ambulance Service Charity Hardship fund if they find themselves in financial difficulty.”
Bogumil, who has lived in the Gravesham borough on and off for the past 30 years, was shut down when asking the council for help.
The 54-year-old said he was not offered temporary accommodation because he does not qualify as a top priority.
Those who are single and have children are ahead of him at the top of the list.
He added: “I am so angry with the lack of communication, it does not seem to bother anyone that I am living in my car.
“The system is against me, it has been a mission to get this far.
"I am getting some support but it is not enough, I am still living in my car.
"I am not asking for a palace, just a bed.”
Gravesham council’s cabinet member for housing services, Cllr Jenny Wallace, said there are record levels of demand for temporary accomodation.
She said: “We are extremely sorry for the situation Mr Kusiba finds himself in.
“Unfortunately, following assessment of his circumstances, Mr Kusiba is deemed to not have a priority need as outlined within the Housing Act 1996 (amended 2002), which means he does not meet the criteria for temporary accommodation.
“However, we continue to work with him to try and find a housing option and he has been offered access to the rent deposit scheme to increase his chances of securing accommodation.”
Cllr Wallace added: “Mr Kusiba advised us he would be sofa surfing and sleeping in his car near his place of work in Bexley, which is why he has not been verified as rough sleeping by the Gravesham rough sleeping team."
Gravesham council are due to approve the purchase of a number of properties in the borough to use as temporary accommodation.
But Cllr Wallace said that unfortunately, these things take time.
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“I appreciate they are of no comfort to Mr Kusiba given the situation he finds himself in right at this moment," she said.
“There is no easy solution, but our team will continue to work with him and give him all the help and support we can during this difficult time for him.”
