A mother with disabilities, who takes care of her autistic daughter, has opened up about her nearly ten-year experience of homelessness.
Elaine Hughes, aged 49, has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and arthritis. She is the primary caregiver for her 25-year-old autistic daughter. Residing in Haringey, North London, Elaine and her daughter live in temporary housing which lacks proper heating in winter and suffers from significant structural issues like cracks in the walls and deteriorating tiles.
Although designed to be accessible, the accommodations do not adequately meet Elaine’s requirements. She expressed, “No one chooses to be homeless. My homelessness was a result of various circumstances including the death of my father, the breakdown of my marriage, and the inability of my landlord to meet my accessibility needs. My daughter was in college at the time, and it was a huge shock for us.
“The initial property we were assigned had severe dampness and inaccessible features like steps to the kitchen and bathroom, which confined me to the main bedroom for three years as I rely on a walking frame at home.
“Only when mushrooms began growing from the walls did the council relocate us. The poor conditions affected my breathing, and my daughter developed skin rashes from the mold in her mattress. Living in temporary housing feels like an unending wait. Originally meant to be a short-term solution, it has now been over 8 years. We are still living out of boxes, uncertain of when we might have to move again. The situation is unbearable.”
Another individual who faced challenges with temporary housing is Georgia Kellett, aged 36, who, along with her 7-year-old son, found themselves homeless in May following a marital breakdown. With assistance from Shelter, Georgia and her son were able to secure stable and safe social housing just in time for the holiday season.
Reflecting on her experience, Georgia stated, “Living in temporary housing had a significant impact on our lives. We had to find new homes for our pets, and I had to quit my job due to the upheaval.
“The accommodation was located 45 minutes away from my son’s school, resulting in his exhaustion and agitation. It took a toll on my mental well-being, and I was confined to my room for months, crying daily.
“While eagerly awaiting a stable living situation, the council labeled us as intentionally homeless.
“Legal guidance from Shelter helped me successfully challenge the council’s unfair decision.
“We have now transitioned into a permanent social residence. We are delighted. My son’s toys were the first items we retrieved from storage. Witnessing him relax and play freely again is truly heartwarming. Previously, everything was uncertain, with the constant fear of abrupt relocation. Now, I am relieved knowing my son is safe, and we have a place to call our own.”
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