A man left living in a tent on the streets of Greater Manchester after seeking asylum in the UK has a bed. Sohayb Farag, 29, a Qatari-born former Al Jazeera journalist who has two university degrees, was granted asylum back in August.
But he had nowhere to go and had been sleeping rough since October 19. He has been struggling to access support from Trafford council, which told him he did 'not have a priority need for accommodation'.
Since the Manchester Evening News shared his story, Sohayb has received dozens of offers to help, with readers offering to give him money, advice, and shelter'.
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Sohayb says a Good Samaritan has offered him a place to stay tonight (Thursday). He said he feels 'surrounded by [his] community'. Another person has agreed to pick him up and take him to Halifax in West Yorkshire, where's been offered a room.
In a message sent to the M.E.N. today, Sohayb offered his heartfelt thanks to people in the region and beyond. "Since the publication of the article that spoke about me, I have been overwhelmed by the response from numerous people who reached out to me," he added. "It has made me feel like I am surrounded by my own community and loved ones.
"Many individuals have generously offered both material and non-material assistance. I will not be spending the night in a tent anymore. Someone has kindly provided me with a place to stay, even if only for today. Moreover, another person offered me a room in the Halifax area and will personally pick me up tomorrow.
"Although this accommodation is temporary, I believe it will be sufficient to help me arrange a permanent housing solution."
Sohayb said numerous people had offered financial assistance, but that he wouldn't be accepting the offers of cash 'because [he is] capable of working'.
"Despite my difficult circumstances at the moment, I find it challenging to accept this" he said. "I only need help in finding an affordable rental place, and I can cover the expenses through Universal Credit.
"Even if the place is more expensive than what the support offers, I will work and save up the required amount. However, I need assistance in communicating and convincing landlords to rent to me."
Sohayb told the M.E.N it was 'scary' and 'not safe' being out on the streets. He said he had been shouted at by drug users and that he struggled to sleep in the cold.
"Assisting me in finding accommodation would enable me to actively search for employment, which I believe will make me a valuable contributor to the community," he said.
Trafford council said: "We have every sympathy with Mr Farag and his plight, and we've worked with him on his homelessness application. Mr Farag is now on our housing waiting list but we have to follow strict criteria, imposed by government when assessing our duties to provide accommodation.
"Demand for emergency accommodation in Trafford is very high, bur Mr Farag will be offered a place at Trafford's 'A Bed Every Night' (ABEN) provision as soon as a room becomes available. While Mr Farag's wait for accommodation continues, we are continuing to support Mr Farag to secure accommodation and advice will continue to be provided."
