A young dad has spoken out about the 'panic' he felt when he was sleeping on the streets in Edinburgh - but now he's wanting to help others who find themself homeless.
Conner Walker, 21, lives in Peffermill Court with his partner and seven-month-old son in the Craigmillar area. He moved there a year ago after being made homeless in 2020.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, he admitted that he's scared he might find himself on the streets again but there is a relief knowing he has a roof over his head.
READ NEXT- Scottish mum of tragic schoolboy, 6, left devastated after sudden death
This comes as Scotland's homeless rate rose by 11 percent in 2022 from the previous year, marking the highest rate of open cases since records began in 2002.
The total number of households in temporary accommodation was also the highest on record at 14,458 and data showed that 9,130 children were in temporary accommodation on September 30 of last year.
Conner said: "I have been in every temporary accommodation in Edinburgh. I was asked to leave one of them and then for two weeks, I was on the streets.
"No food, no water, no blankets. I was just in a jumper, shoes, and jeans. I couldn't get accommodation anywhere. I was staying with some family and friends when I could.
"I kept going to the council but they said there wasn't any accommodation available. I was panicking. I didn't know what to do.
"Back then I didn't know what a food or clothing bank was. But once I found them, I was living off them. I had nothing."
Conner is now fundraising for clothing banks around Edinburgh for anyone else who finds themselves in a similar situation to what he was in.
Speaking about his time on the streets, Conner said: "I wasn't a nice feeling. It was more of a panic. I hate spiders and things like that so sleeping under a tree is not the best thing. Anything could have happened, I could have been hurt, killed, anything.
"I was panicking as soon as I woke up and I barely slept for the whole two weeks. It was horrible"
Luckily, Conner was offered temporary accommodation in a B&B in 2020 until a council flat became available.
"It was a relief!' He said, "Finally I had somewhere warm and there was food too so at least I had something to eat.
Finally, in 2022, he and his partner were offered a flat in Peffermill Court, which he has spoken to Edinburgh Live about previously about the damp found in the property.
However, Conner admitted that he has 'a strong feeling' he could end up homeless again and doesn't think there's enough support out there for people who are at risk of losing their homes.
"It's not a road you want to go down, especially if you have kids. The thing is, I don't want other people to have to go through this stress.
"It came to my head one night that I could make a difference in people's lives and help people. So I made a fundraiser to try and help others, and it's my way of giving back to the clothing banks and charities that helped me.
"No one should have to go through this."
To support Conner's fundraiser for clothing banks, visit GoFundMe.
READ NEXT-
Throwback images show Edinburgh's Leith Walk in 1980s 'pre-gentrification' days
Desperate search for missing West Lothian schoolgirl, 15, last seen in Edinburgh
Woman left with eye-watering bill after date orders food for friends before fleeing
Charming East Lothian cottage with countryside views and a cinema room hits the market
Edinburgh's ancient 'magic' well with power 'to cure health problems'
