Homeless Scot feared he’d be moved 120 miles after hostel closed

A homeless man in Scotland faced the distressing possibility of being relocated 120 miles away from his current location after a hostel he was staying in was closed down. The City of Edinburgh Council is struggling to accommodate around 700 displaced individuals who were forced to leave unlicensed temporary accommodations in the capital. Travis Mitchell, a 25-year-old man, found himself homeless after being asked to vacate Thornfield Guest House on December 1. With all his belongings in tow, Travis was left to figure out where to stay next. Reports surfaced earlier that week suggesting that residents might be moved to Aberdeen for housing. Although Travis managed to secure accommodation in Leith instead, the idea of being uprooted caused him significant distress. Travis described feeling panicked, lost, confused, and depressed upon hearing about the potential relocation to Aberdeen. The uncertainty of where he would live and concerns for his safety kept him up at night, with fears of being vulnerable to harm or exploitation. Travis, who recently battled pneumonia, expressed worries about his deteriorating health, exacerbated by the cold weather. While the thought of moving to Aberdeen made him anxious, Travis admitted that having any accommodation was a better option than sleeping rough in Edinburgh during the winter season. His friend, Jack Dickson, also faced a similar situation after being a resident at Thornfield Guest House on and off for two years. Jack, a 35-year-old Leith native, rejected offers to relocate to Aberdeen due to his ties and support system in Edinburgh. The uncertainties and challenges faced by Travis and Jack underscore the broader issue of homelessness in Edinburgh. The City of Edinburgh Council highlighted the difficulty of finding suitable temporary accommodation within the city, considering the high demand exceeding supply. Councillor Jane Meagher emphasized the need to prevent individuals from resorting to sleeping on the streets by exploring housing options outside Edinburgh. Despite the challenges, the council reiterated its commitment to supporting individuals in securing accommodation and facilitating their return to the city as soon as feasible. The stories of Travis and Jack shed light on the struggles faced by homeless individuals in navigating uncertainty and instability while striving to find stability and security in their living situations.