A young homeless man who lives in a town centre multi-storey car park near Birmingham has revealed the reasons behind his heartbreaking situation.
Tony Lavell, 28, grew up in care - and believes that if social services had taken better care of him, then he wouldn't have ended up on the streets.
He entered the care system at the age of three and says he was bullied and attacked by older boys in his care home.
After leaving care he was placed in hostels alongside alcoholics and drug users.
He later landed himself a house in Halesowen - a town in the West Midlands - however, was forced to move out following a dispute with the landlord.
For the past six weeks he has slept in a dark corner of the multi-storey car park next to a pay and display machine, surrounded by his packed up belongings.
He has previously had a number of jobs, working as a carpet fitter, turf layer, as a store assistant in Argos and in a pizza shop, Birmingham Live reports.
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He said: "I really think if social services had looked after me properly when I left care instead of just outing me in a hostel full of drug users and drinkers, I probably would still be working for Argos and not in this position."
Tony is living off Universal Credit , however can't afford rent so can't secure a job.
This week he was offered a glimmer of hope as a job vacancy opened up at an industrial estate company - however company policy states employees must have a formal address.
The business's director has urged the public to back a crowd funding appeal to raise £1,500 to get Tony a roof over his head.
The boss said: "f there is anything anyone can do to help raise the urgency of getting Tony accommodation so I can secure his employment, it would be appreciated.
"You may know someone who has a flat etc.. who is looking for a tenant.
"He would get paid the end of April (if we can get him in early April) and every month following. He just needs this opportunity."
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The funds have already exceeded the target - with the community rallying together to raise £1,720 since the page was launched on Thursday, March 28.
Tony has stressed that setting up the fundraising page was not his idea and he has never begged for money.
He said: "I just fell out with my landlord and moved out. Now I am homeless, I refuse hostels, just waiting for the council to help out.
"The fund page was not my idea I feel it is a begging page without the sleeping bag and I have never begged, but I also really want this job.
"If I can get this job, I won't be cold on the night anymore and will finally give me a place to call home without the fear of people trying to take advantage of my good nature."
He added his thanks to the Halesowen residents who have helped support him.
"The people of Halesowen are being so nice, the support from the public has been amazing."
