A YOUNG woman has revealed that she has lived in a hostel with her baby and 30 other people for the last six months.
Sophie Howard, 26, and her baby Harlie, live in shared accommodation and although they have their own bathroom with a shower and a toilet, they have to share a kitchen with nine other families.
The mother, who is from London, took to social media to open up about her situation – leaving many totally stunned.
Posting online, the mum-of-one said: “My name’s Sophie, I’m 26 and I’m a first-time mum to my baby girl Harlie.
“Last year we got made homeless and we had to reach out to the council for some help.
“They put us in a hotel for a week and then we got offered this room as our temporary accommodation.”
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As Sophie gave her followers a close-up look inside her room, she added: “This is the room in the hostel, shared with 30 other people.
“We’ve got our own bathroom which is really nice.”
You have to be positive in these situations and appreciate that you have a roof over your head
Sophie Howard
We then saw the shared kitchen and laundry room, as Sophie continued: “This is our shared kitchen – we share it with nine other families so when everyone’s cooking dinner at the same time it does get really busy.
“This is our shared laundry room – all 30 families that live here can access this, so you are waiting for quite a while sometimes to do your washing.”
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Showing off her room, which has been decorated with cosy beige furnishings and a small table, Sophie concluded: “I’m just trying to make it as nice as possible.
“This is the room six months later, we’re still here but I’ve just tried to make it as homely as possible. I don’t really mind it.”
The young mother later explained: “You have to be positive in these situations and appreciate that you have a roof over your head rather than be on the streets.”
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @_sophielhoward, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly gone viral and has since racked up a staggering 1.7 million views.
Social media users expressed sympathy for Sophie’s situation and many were keen to support her in the comments.
Less than ideal but you’ve got it nice and clean, well done you
TikTok users
One person said: “I hope 2024 brings you and your little girl a beautiful new home.”
Another added: “Crazy how many mums are in this position.”
To this, Sophie replied: “It’s so sad.”
A third commented: “Less than ideal but you’ve got it nice and clean, well done you.”
Whilst someone else penned: “Home is where family is. As long as you have that beautiful girl, you’re rich and you are home! I hope good things come your way.”
Meanwhile, someone else asked: “Do you not have any family you can stay with?”
To this, Sophie replied: “Unfortunately they don’t have room for me and a baby.”
At the same time, another user claimed: “Nine families, that’s unreal.”
In response, Sophie claimed: “Yeah it’s crazy.”
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Sophie later confirmed: “I do have a microwave and air fryer so I just use the kitchen for washing up and if I need the hob.”
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Abigail Wilson
