EDIT: I just got home from work and you guys fucking rock, all together you've given me more than enough that I can get through the month, and a bit more so I can stash that in case of emergency.
I am going to celebrate by putting £40 on the electric meter. This fucking rules, cohost people are the best, thank you so much.
Original post preserved below.
Alright let me explain. I spent the last 6 months in homeless temporary accommodation, and I was told that I'd be there for 12-18 months because of how long the social housing waiting list is.
Mid way through last month, at a point where I had zero savings, they surprised me by telling me I was getting an apartment! I knew moving would be very costly but here's the rub: I couldn't refuse this one or delay it because then I'd be thrown off the list (and also thrown out of emergency housing for "acting like I didn't need it")
It took a while to go from the offer to having the keys to moving in, and in that time I've paid rent on two places. Talking £116 a week on the old place, plus I had to pay a big advance on the new place. Harsh. I had to rent a moving van (£85), get a bed, basic things like a microwave, toaster, curtains for the bedroom window etc.
Now to compound things, it's april, the start of the financial year in the UK. That means rent went up. £502 for four weeks in the new place now. Council tax (a tax on having a home) is about £100 too, so we're up to ~£600.
I can't afford a washing machine, and a trip to the launderette is going to cost £8 a go on public transport and the machines.
Minimum wage "just went up", which in practice means it counts for the pay packet after the first one of april. I get paid four weekly, and it's been garnished by the DWP (social security office) to cover the final payment of loan I took out in 2015. So that means I have £774 to make last the next four weeks, and then I'll get paid better in mid May.
I have applied for welfare to pay my rent (universal credit), but that takes five weeks to begin payment.
This means that I have, after housing, about £170 to pay for electricity, hot water, drinking water, internet, food, and laundry. Food costs around £25 a week, electricity £10 a week, so that's £140 gone just on the two...
I'm not going to be able to make it this month. So I need your help again, and I hope for the last time. Next month will be a lot better, my income will be a lot better.
Anything will be gratefully received.
KO-FI Link removed! You guys absolutely smashed it.